contact us.
hk.barath@hfk-bremen.de
Hochschule für Künste Bremen: https://www.hfk-bremen.de
Durben University of Technology: https://www.dut.ac.za
Information.
In May and August 2022, the DAAD-funded exchange program between the Bremen University of the Arts (HfK) and the Durban University of Technology (DUT) took place in Bremen and Durban: Nine students and four lecturers from DUT came to Bremen in May 2022 and nine students and five lecturers traveled to Durban in August. The two-week stays were a valuable opportunity for the students and lecturers to gain new insights and experiences - culturally and artistically. The main objectives of the program were to promote intercultural exchange and to get to know diverse approaches in art and design. Interdisciplinary cooperation, the exchange of knowledge, encounters with local artists, new working techniques with media and materials, the experience of other cultures and transcultural perspectives were promoted in the long term.
We were able to see, hear and feel the effects of South Africa's history, shaped by colonialism and apartheid, to this day - in a completely different way than would be possible through the media and reports. During the two weeks in the other country, the students took part in a wide range of activities that were specially designed for them: Workshops, studio visits, lectures, group discussions, excursions, sightseeing and eating together.
The highlight of the two-week stay was the final exhibitions on the exhibition ship Dauerwelle in Bremen and in the KZNSA Gallery in Durban. Together, we installed the artistic works created by the participating students on site. The exhibitions gave the students the opportunity to present their works to the public and to come into contact with the visitors to the exhibition.
From the experiences and knowledge transfer, the techniques learned and the encounters, new skills and knowledge developed, which the students can now apply to their own work. The two-week trip to Durban could not have taken place without the support of various private individuals and institutions.