Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen

ifa blog

Interviews, essays, reports and videos

The ifa blog takes a lively look at the many different areas of ifa's work and international cultural relations.

The blog articles can be filtered by topic, such as human rights, civil society, media, and (post-)colonialism, as well as by contributions from ifa's individual projects, such as exhibition funding, the Martin Roth Initiative's protection programme or the CrossCulture programme.

Video The photo shows various shapes and globes on a blue/pink background from above. The YouTube symbol is in the centre.

Navigating New Nationalisms

What does growing nationalism in the domestic and foreign policy domains mean for future cultural relations? What changes are emerging – or might emerge given political changes and power shifts? Online discussion on 30 October 2024.
Essay Illustration: Plant in hand is watered.

Sustainia or Dystopia?

By Santa Meyer-Nandi

Our author deems positive role models and narratives necessary to enhance sustainability. For a start she herself embarked on a series of monthly "sustainability self-challenges".
Co-creative exhibition project [Translate to english:] Wandteppiche von Nevin Aladağ hängen an einer weißen Wand. Auf dem Boden davor liegt ein Mann, nur mit einer schwarzen Hose bekleidet.

From Post-War Trauma to European Co-Existence

By William Billows

An artistic exploration of the current socio and political climate in Europe, the idea of a European identity and marginalised geopolitical spaces is attempted by the 'EVROVIZION. Crossing Stories and Spaces' exhibition.
Blog Logo of exhibition "EVROVIZION"; © ifa

Not Knowing Introduces Itself

By Adnan Softić

The new co-creative exhibition project of ifa 'EVROVIZION.CROSSING STORIES AND SPACES' wants to explore the current socio-political situation in Europe while touring for several years. The first public event was supposed to be a get-together in Sarajevo, but the corona virus made it impossible for the project participants to meet. In his essay, Sarajevo-born author, visual artist and director Adnan Softić, who lives in Berlin, reflects on the virus and how to deal with the pandemic.
Essay

Tools to Rebuild the Social Fabric

By Pietro de Matteis

Culture is where the European project started and, most likely, represents a path forward. It could play a key role in expanding the free movement of people to build trust and mutual understanding.