Regaining a sense of belonging
UPSALA CIRCUS
UPSALA CIRCUS - SUITCASES EXHIBIT
Creation an inclusive travelling multimedia exhibition that reveals the human dimension of migration through personal stories and interactive artistic solutions.
The exhibition also includes the stories of the artists told in the performance ‘Suitcases’.
The exhibition also includes the stories of the artists told in the performance ‘Suitcases’.
Germany
National
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Early concept
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Our initiative aims to adapt a garage renovated by our organization or to renovate another nearby building into a mobile exhibition space exploring migration through personal stories and interactive installations. This adapted space will serve as a cultural and community hub, fostering inclusion and uniting migrants, elderly residents, and children with special needs.
The project humanizes migration by shifting the focus from statistics to lived experiences, promoting empathy and intercultural dialogue.
Target Groups:
Local residents, benefiting from a new cultural venue.
Migrants and their families, fostering social integration.
Students, educators, and policymakers engaged in migration studies.
Tourists and visitors, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Create an interactive exhibition combining documentary and artistic elements.
Encourage visitors to engage with migration narratives through installations.
Provide an inclusive space for creative and educational activities.
Support community participation by collecting new migration stories.
Achieved Outcomes
Interactive Installation "Pack Your Suitcase" – Visitors match objects to migration stories.
Historical and contemporary narratives – Stories of famous and ordinary migrants.
Sound Installation "Swings of Memory" – Recorded migration stories played through an old swing.
Community engagement – Contributions of personal migration experiences.
Collaborations with local artists – Ensuring authenticity and impact.
The project humanizes migration by shifting the focus from statistics to lived experiences, promoting empathy and intercultural dialogue.
Target Groups:
Local residents, benefiting from a new cultural venue.
Migrants and their families, fostering social integration.
Students, educators, and policymakers engaged in migration studies.
Tourists and visitors, enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Create an interactive exhibition combining documentary and artistic elements.
Encourage visitors to engage with migration narratives through installations.
Provide an inclusive space for creative and educational activities.
Support community participation by collecting new migration stories.
Achieved Outcomes
Interactive Installation "Pack Your Suitcase" – Visitors match objects to migration stories.
Historical and contemporary narratives – Stories of famous and ordinary migrants.
Sound Installation "Swings of Memory" – Recorded migration stories played through an old swing.
Community engagement – Contributions of personal migration experiences.
Collaborations with local artists – Ensuring authenticity and impact.
Migration
Inclusion
Cultural Heritage
Community Engagement
Interactive Art
The project is built upon a foundation of sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and cultural dimensions. Its core objective is to revitalize an underutilized space by repurposing a previously renovated garage or restoring a nearby building, thus adhering to circular economy principles. This approach minimizes resource consumption, reduces urban waste, and showcases how existing infrastructure can be transformed into a meaningful cultural venue with minimal ecological impact.
Environmental Sustainability
A key aspect of the project’s sustainability is its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, it emphasizes adaptive reuse, preserving architectural heritage while minimizing energy and material expenditure. Exhibition installations prioritize eco-friendly materials, including recyclable and locally sourced elements, and integrate energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and low-consumption audiovisual equipment.
Social and Cultural Sustainability
The project fosters long-term community engagement by serving as an inclusive cultural space for diverse social groups, including migrants, elderly residents, and individuals with special needs. By humanizing migration through storytelling and interactive installations, it promotes social cohesion, raises awareness, and encourages dialogue. Furthermore, the initiative supports local economic growth by attracting educational institutions, tourists, and cultural organizations to Zeitz, thereby reinforcing the city’s cultural and economic resilience.
Exemplary Contribution to Sustainability
This project stands as a model of sustainable urban regeneration, demonstrating how neglected spaces can be repurposed for cultural and social impact with minimal environmental cost. Its flexible framework allows for replication in other cities, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for sustainable cultural development.
Environmental Sustainability
A key aspect of the project’s sustainability is its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with new construction. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, it emphasizes adaptive reuse, preserving architectural heritage while minimizing energy and material expenditure. Exhibition installations prioritize eco-friendly materials, including recyclable and locally sourced elements, and integrate energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and low-consumption audiovisual equipment.
Social and Cultural Sustainability
The project fosters long-term community engagement by serving as an inclusive cultural space for diverse social groups, including migrants, elderly residents, and individuals with special needs. By humanizing migration through storytelling and interactive installations, it promotes social cohesion, raises awareness, and encourages dialogue. Furthermore, the initiative supports local economic growth by attracting educational institutions, tourists, and cultural organizations to Zeitz, thereby reinforcing the city’s cultural and economic resilience.
Exemplary Contribution to Sustainability
This project stands as a model of sustainable urban regeneration, demonstrating how neglected spaces can be repurposed for cultural and social impact with minimal environmental cost. Its flexible framework allows for replication in other cities, offering a scalable and adaptable solution for sustainable cultural development.
Our project’s key objective is to create an aesthetically compelling and emotionally resonant experience that transforms the abstract concept of migration into a deeply personal and human narrative. By combining design, multimedia, and interactive elements, the exhibition aims to engage visitors on both intellectual and emotional levels, fostering empathy and understanding.
The aesthetics of the exhibition are rooted in the adaptive reuse of a renovated garage, blending industrial heritage with contemporary artistic interventions. This approach not only preserves the authenticity of the space but also creates a unique atmosphere that bridges the past and present. The design integrates tactile, visual, and auditory elements—such as vintage suitcases, a large migration map with colorful threads, and the creaking sound of "Memory Swings"—to evoke a multisensory experience. These elements are carefully curated to reflect the diversity and universality of migration stories, ensuring that the exhibition is both visually striking and emotionally impactful.
The quality of experience is enhanced through interactivity and inclusivity. Visitors are invited to actively participate—whether by guessing the stories behind suitcases, recording their own migration experiences, or adding personal narratives to the migration map. This participatory approach ensures that the exhibition is not just a passive viewing experience but a dynamic dialogue between the audience and the stories presented. The integration of QR codes and digital tools further enriches the experience, allowing visitors to explore deeper layers of content at their own pace.
The project is exemplary in its ability to merge cultural, artistic, and social dimensions. By drawing on the team’s personal experiences as migrants and their expertise in circus arts, the exhibition creates a bridge between diverse communities.
The aesthetics of the exhibition are rooted in the adaptive reuse of a renovated garage, blending industrial heritage with contemporary artistic interventions. This approach not only preserves the authenticity of the space but also creates a unique atmosphere that bridges the past and present. The design integrates tactile, visual, and auditory elements—such as vintage suitcases, a large migration map with colorful threads, and the creaking sound of "Memory Swings"—to evoke a multisensory experience. These elements are carefully curated to reflect the diversity and universality of migration stories, ensuring that the exhibition is both visually striking and emotionally impactful.
The quality of experience is enhanced through interactivity and inclusivity. Visitors are invited to actively participate—whether by guessing the stories behind suitcases, recording their own migration experiences, or adding personal narratives to the migration map. This participatory approach ensures that the exhibition is not just a passive viewing experience but a dynamic dialogue between the audience and the stories presented. The integration of QR codes and digital tools further enriches the experience, allowing visitors to explore deeper layers of content at their own pace.
The project is exemplary in its ability to merge cultural, artistic, and social dimensions. By drawing on the team’s personal experiences as migrants and their expertise in circus arts, the exhibition creates a bridge between diverse communities.
This initiative fosters inclusion by creating a space where diverse voices, particularly migrants and marginalized groups, are heard and integrated into society. It ensures accessibility, affordability, and participation for all, aligning with inclusive design principles.
Forced migration profoundly transforms lives, often leading to isolation as migrants form closed communities. Our project addresses this by bridging cultural divides through interactive, mobile exhibitions that promote dialogue and understanding.
The exhibition is designed to be accessible and affordable. By repurposing a renovated garage, it revitalizes underused spaces, prioritizing underserved communities. Admission is low-cost or free, and the use of simple, reusable materials ensures sustainability.
Inclusivity is embedded in the design. Interactive installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map" engage visitors of all ages and abilities. Multilingual descriptions, audio guides, and tactile elements ensure accessibility for non-native speakers and visually impaired individuals. Personal stories from migrants highlight universal experiences, fostering empathy.
The project promotes inclusive governance by involving local communities and migrants in co-creating content. Workshops and storytelling sessions empower marginalized groups, giving them a platform to share their experiences.
The impact is evident in the touring performance "Suitcases," which has resonated across Europe. Migrants find solidarity in shared experiences, while locals gain new perspectives on migration. This dual impact demonstrates the project’s potential to bridge divides and foster social cohesion.
Forced migration profoundly transforms lives, often leading to isolation as migrants form closed communities. Our project addresses this by bridging cultural divides through interactive, mobile exhibitions that promote dialogue and understanding.
The exhibition is designed to be accessible and affordable. By repurposing a renovated garage, it revitalizes underused spaces, prioritizing underserved communities. Admission is low-cost or free, and the use of simple, reusable materials ensures sustainability.
Inclusivity is embedded in the design. Interactive installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map" engage visitors of all ages and abilities. Multilingual descriptions, audio guides, and tactile elements ensure accessibility for non-native speakers and visually impaired individuals. Personal stories from migrants highlight universal experiences, fostering empathy.
The project promotes inclusive governance by involving local communities and migrants in co-creating content. Workshops and storytelling sessions empower marginalized groups, giving them a platform to share their experiences.
The impact is evident in the touring performance "Suitcases," which has resonated across Europe. Migrants find solidarity in shared experiences, while locals gain new perspectives on migration. This dual impact demonstrates the project’s potential to bridge divides and foster social cohesion.
The project actively engages citizens and civil society, ensuring that both beneficiaries and affected communities play a central role in its development and implementation. The renovated garage in Zeitz, Germany, serves as a cultural hub, uniting diverse groups, including migrants, their children, elderly residents, and individuals with special needs. This inclusive space fosters dialogue and mutual understanding, creating a sense of belonging for all participants.
Local residents of Zeitz are key beneficiaries, as the project revitalizes their city by transforming an abandoned space into a vibrant cultural venue. The exhibition not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting the city’s visibility and economy. For migrants, the project provides a platform to share their stories, reducing isolation and promoting integration.
Civil society and community members are involved through workshops, storytelling sessions, and collaborative activities. Migrants and locals co-create content, ensuring the exhibition reflects diverse perspectives. Visitors actively participate by contributing personal stories, interacting with installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map," and engaging with QR codes to explore deeper narratives.
The impact of this involvement is profound. Migrants find solidarity and validation in seeing their experiences represented, while locals gain empathy and a deeper understanding of migration. The project has already demonstrated its success through the touring performance "Suitcases," which resonated with audiences across Europe, fostering emotional connections and changing perceptions.
In summary, the project empowers citizens by creating an inclusive, participatory space that benefits both migrants and local communities. It strengthens social cohesion, revitalizes urban areas, and serves as a model for community-driven cultural initiatives.
Local residents of Zeitz are key beneficiaries, as the project revitalizes their city by transforming an abandoned space into a vibrant cultural venue. The exhibition not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting the city’s visibility and economy. For migrants, the project provides a platform to share their stories, reducing isolation and promoting integration.
Civil society and community members are involved through workshops, storytelling sessions, and collaborative activities. Migrants and locals co-create content, ensuring the exhibition reflects diverse perspectives. Visitors actively participate by contributing personal stories, interacting with installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map," and engaging with QR codes to explore deeper narratives.
The impact of this involvement is profound. Migrants find solidarity and validation in seeing their experiences represented, while locals gain empathy and a deeper understanding of migration. The project has already demonstrated its success through the touring performance "Suitcases," which resonated with audiences across Europe, fostering emotional connections and changing perceptions.
In summary, the project empowers citizens by creating an inclusive, participatory space that benefits both migrants and local communities. It strengthens social cohesion, revitalizes urban areas, and serves as a model for community-driven cultural initiatives.
We actively involves stakeholders at local, regional, national, and European levels, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to its design and implementation.
At the local level, residents of Zeitz play a central role. The transformation of an abandoned garage into a cultural hub has revitalized the city, providing a new space for community engagement. Locals benefit from the emergence of a vibrant cultural venue, which also attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting the city’s visibility and economy. Migrants, elderly residents, and individuals with special needs are actively involved through workshops and storytelling sessions, co-creating content and fostering a sense of belonging.
Regionally and nationally, the project collaborates with public and private organizations, informal associations, and artists. These partnerships provide resources, expertise, and networks that enhance the project’s reach and impact. For example, cultural institutions and NGOs support the exhibition’s touring component, while educational organizations facilitate workshops and interactive activities.
At the European level, the project leverages its touring performances, which has been showcased in five countries, to build cross-cultural dialogue. European cultural networks and funding programs have been instrumental in scaling the project, enabling it to reach diverse audiences and amplify its message of inclusion and empathy.
At the local level, residents of Zeitz play a central role. The transformation of an abandoned garage into a cultural hub has revitalized the city, providing a new space for community engagement. Locals benefit from the emergence of a vibrant cultural venue, which also attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting the city’s visibility and economy. Migrants, elderly residents, and individuals with special needs are actively involved through workshops and storytelling sessions, co-creating content and fostering a sense of belonging.
Regionally and nationally, the project collaborates with public and private organizations, informal associations, and artists. These partnerships provide resources, expertise, and networks that enhance the project’s reach and impact. For example, cultural institutions and NGOs support the exhibition’s touring component, while educational organizations facilitate workshops and interactive activities.
At the European level, the project leverages its touring performances, which has been showcased in five countries, to build cross-cultural dialogue. European cultural networks and funding programs have been instrumental in scaling the project, enabling it to reach diverse audiences and amplify its message of inclusion and empathy.
The project integrates multiple disciplines and knowledge fields, creating a rich, multidimensional experience. It combines theater, sports, visual arts, digital museology, and community workshops, blending artistic expression with social engagement.
Theater and circus arts form the emotional core, using personal stories to humanize migration. Visual arts and design shape the exhibition’s aesthetics, with installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map" offering interactive, tactile experiences. Digital museology enhances accessibility through QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms, allowing deeper exploration of stories. Community workshops and art studios foster co-creation, involving migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups in the project’s development.
Representatives from these fields collaborate closely, ensuring a cohesive and impactful outcome. Artists, designers, and technologists work together to create immersive installations, while social workers and educators facilitate workshops, ensuring inclusivity. Public and private organizations, informal groups, and individual artists contribute resources, expertise, and networks, enriching the project’s scope.
The added value of this interdisciplinary approach lies in its ability to address complex social issues through creativity and innovation. By merging artistic, digital, and social practices, the project fosters empathy, inclusivity, and dialogue, making it a powerful tool for cultural and social transformation.
For residents of Zeitz, the project revitalizes the city, creating a new cultural hub that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting local visibility and economy.
Theater and circus arts form the emotional core, using personal stories to humanize migration. Visual arts and design shape the exhibition’s aesthetics, with installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map" offering interactive, tactile experiences. Digital museology enhances accessibility through QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms, allowing deeper exploration of stories. Community workshops and art studios foster co-creation, involving migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups in the project’s development.
Representatives from these fields collaborate closely, ensuring a cohesive and impactful outcome. Artists, designers, and technologists work together to create immersive installations, while social workers and educators facilitate workshops, ensuring inclusivity. Public and private organizations, informal groups, and individual artists contribute resources, expertise, and networks, enriching the project’s scope.
The added value of this interdisciplinary approach lies in its ability to address complex social issues through creativity and innovation. By merging artistic, digital, and social practices, the project fosters empathy, inclusivity, and dialogue, making it a powerful tool for cultural and social transformation.
For residents of Zeitz, the project revitalizes the city, creating a new cultural hub that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, boosting local visibility and economy.
UPSALA CIRCUS - SUITCASES EXHIBIT stands out for its innovative approach to addressing migration through a unique blend of art, technology, and community engagement. Unlike mainstream actions, which often focus on statistics or one-dimensional narratives, this project transforms migration into a deeply human and interactive experience.
The adaptive reuse of an abandoned garage in Zeitz, Germany, is itself innovative, turning a neglected space into a vibrant cultural hub. This approach not only revitalizes urban areas but also prioritizes sustainability by repurposing existing structures.
The exhibition’s design combines theater, visual arts, digital museology, and interactive installations, creating a multisensory experience. For example, the "Pack a Suitcase" installation invites visitors to engage with personal stories through tactile objects, while the "Migration Map" uses colorful threads to visualize migration routes, allowing visitors to add their own stories. Digital tools, such as QR codes and audio guides, enhance accessibility and provide deeper layers of content.
The project’s mobile nature ensures it reaches diverse audiences, including underserved communities. By touring across Europe, it fosters cross-cultural dialogue and empathy, making it a scalable model for other regions.
For residents of Zeitz, the project offers tangible benefits, transforming the city into a cultural destination that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours. This not only boosts local visibility but also strengthens community identity.
In summary, the project’s innovative character lies in its interdisciplinary approach, participatory design, and ability to humanize migration. It serves as a pioneering example of how art and technology can address complex social issues, aligning with the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty.
The adaptive reuse of an abandoned garage in Zeitz, Germany, is itself innovative, turning a neglected space into a vibrant cultural hub. This approach not only revitalizes urban areas but also prioritizes sustainability by repurposing existing structures.
The exhibition’s design combines theater, visual arts, digital museology, and interactive installations, creating a multisensory experience. For example, the "Pack a Suitcase" installation invites visitors to engage with personal stories through tactile objects, while the "Migration Map" uses colorful threads to visualize migration routes, allowing visitors to add their own stories. Digital tools, such as QR codes and audio guides, enhance accessibility and provide deeper layers of content.
The project’s mobile nature ensures it reaches diverse audiences, including underserved communities. By touring across Europe, it fosters cross-cultural dialogue and empathy, making it a scalable model for other regions.
For residents of Zeitz, the project offers tangible benefits, transforming the city into a cultural destination that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours. This not only boosts local visibility but also strengthens community identity.
In summary, the project’s innovative character lies in its interdisciplinary approach, participatory design, and ability to humanize migration. It serves as a pioneering example of how art and technology can address complex social issues, aligning with the New European Bauhaus values of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty.
Our initiative employs an interdisciplinary and participatory methodology, combining art, technology, and community engagement to address the human dimension of migration. At its core is the adaptive reuse of an abandoned garage in Zeitz, Germany, transformed into a cultural hub through collaborative efforts.
The approach integrates several key methods:
Artistic Storytelling: Using theater, circus arts, and visual installations, the project brings personal migration stories to life. Performances like "Suitcases" and interactive exhibits such as "Pack a Suitcase" create emotional connections, turning abstract narratives into relatable experiences.
Community Co-Creation: Workshops and storytelling sessions involve migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups in shaping the exhibition. This participatory process ensures diverse perspectives are represented and fosters a sense of ownership among participants.
Digital Innovation: QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms enhance accessibility, allowing visitors to explore stories at their own pace. Digital tools also enable the collection of new narratives, making the exhibition dynamic and ever-evolving.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The project merges theater, visual arts, digital museology, and social practices, creating a holistic experience. Artists, technologists, educators, and social workers collaborate to ensure the exhibition is both engaging and inclusive.
The mobile nature of the exhibition allows it to reach diverse audiences, including underserved communities. For residents of Zeitz, the project revitalizes the city, attracting tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, which boosts local visibility and economy.
The approach integrates several key methods:
Artistic Storytelling: Using theater, circus arts, and visual installations, the project brings personal migration stories to life. Performances like "Suitcases" and interactive exhibits such as "Pack a Suitcase" create emotional connections, turning abstract narratives into relatable experiences.
Community Co-Creation: Workshops and storytelling sessions involve migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups in shaping the exhibition. This participatory process ensures diverse perspectives are represented and fosters a sense of ownership among participants.
Digital Innovation: QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms enhance accessibility, allowing visitors to explore stories at their own pace. Digital tools also enable the collection of new narratives, making the exhibition dynamic and ever-evolving.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The project merges theater, visual arts, digital museology, and social practices, creating a holistic experience. Artists, technologists, educators, and social workers collaborate to ensure the exhibition is both engaging and inclusive.
The mobile nature of the exhibition allows it to reach diverse audiences, including underserved communities. For residents of Zeitz, the project revitalizes the city, attracting tourists, educational groups, and historical tours, which boosts local visibility and economy.
The project’s design and methodology are highly adaptable, making it replicable in various contexts and for diverse beneficiary groups. Key elements that can be transferred include:
Adaptive Reuse of Spaces: The transformation of abandoned or underused spaces, like the garage in Zeitz, into cultural hubs can be replicated in other cities. This approach revitalizes urban areas, promotes sustainability, and creates inclusive community spaces.
Mobile and Modular Exhibition: The exhibition’s mobile nature allows it to travel across cities and countries, adapting to different venues and audiences. Its modular design ensures flexibility, enabling customization for local contexts and themes.
Interdisciplinary Methodology: The integration of theater, visual arts, digital tools, and community workshops can be applied to other social issues, fostering empathy and dialogue through creative expression.
Participatory Approach: The co-creation process, involving migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups, can be replicated to ensure inclusivity and community ownership in other projects.
Digital and Interactive Tools: The use of QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms for storytelling and data collection is easily transferable, enhancing accessibility and engagement in various settings.
Scalable Impact: The project’s success in fostering cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion can inspire similar initiatives in other regions, particularly those addressing migration or integration challenges.
For residents of Zeitz, the project has demonstrated tangible benefits, transforming the city into a cultural destination that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours. This model can be replicated to boost local economies and community pride in other small towns or underserved areas.
Adaptive Reuse of Spaces: The transformation of abandoned or underused spaces, like the garage in Zeitz, into cultural hubs can be replicated in other cities. This approach revitalizes urban areas, promotes sustainability, and creates inclusive community spaces.
Mobile and Modular Exhibition: The exhibition’s mobile nature allows it to travel across cities and countries, adapting to different venues and audiences. Its modular design ensures flexibility, enabling customization for local contexts and themes.
Interdisciplinary Methodology: The integration of theater, visual arts, digital tools, and community workshops can be applied to other social issues, fostering empathy and dialogue through creative expression.
Participatory Approach: The co-creation process, involving migrants, locals, and vulnerable groups, can be replicated to ensure inclusivity and community ownership in other projects.
Digital and Interactive Tools: The use of QR codes, audio guides, and online platforms for storytelling and data collection is easily transferable, enhancing accessibility and engagement in various settings.
Scalable Impact: The project’s success in fostering cross-cultural understanding and social cohesion can inspire similar initiatives in other regions, particularly those addressing migration or integration challenges.
For residents of Zeitz, the project has demonstrated tangible benefits, transforming the city into a cultural destination that attracts tourists, educational groups, and historical tours. This model can be replicated to boost local economies and community pride in other small towns or underserved areas.
We would like to tackle several pressing global challenges by offering innovative local solutions. At its core, it addresses the global migration crisis, transforming abstract statistics into human stories that foster empathy and understanding. By creating an inclusive space for dialogue, the project helps integrate refugees and forced migrants into local communities, countering isolation and promoting social cohesion.
On a local level, the project revitalizes the small city of Zeitz, Germany, by repurposing an abandoned garage into a vibrant cultural hub. This counters the global trend of population decline in small towns, making Zeitz more attractive to visitors, tourists, and new residents. The exhibition’s mobile nature allows it to tour across Europe, spreading its impact and addressing migration challenges in multiple regions.
The project also promotes sustainable urban development through adaptive reuse of existing structures, reducing the need for new construction and minimizing environmental impact. By integrating digital technologies, such as QR codes and online platforms, it modernizes cultural experiences, making them accessible to diverse audiences.
Additionally, the project combats cultural and social divides by uniting local residents, migrants, and vulnerable groups through art and storytelling. This fosters mutual understanding and strengthens community bonds, offering a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
We help solve the problem of integrating refugees and forced immigrants by raising public awareness at the local level. We also enrich the cultural and recreational life of Zeitz, attracting new visitors and making the city vibrant and prestigious, countering the global trend of population outflow from small towns. Our project promotes digital technologies, renovates old spaces, and unites local communities, transcending national and cultural differences.
On a local level, the project revitalizes the small city of Zeitz, Germany, by repurposing an abandoned garage into a vibrant cultural hub. This counters the global trend of population decline in small towns, making Zeitz more attractive to visitors, tourists, and new residents. The exhibition’s mobile nature allows it to tour across Europe, spreading its impact and addressing migration challenges in multiple regions.
The project also promotes sustainable urban development through adaptive reuse of existing structures, reducing the need for new construction and minimizing environmental impact. By integrating digital technologies, such as QR codes and online platforms, it modernizes cultural experiences, making them accessible to diverse audiences.
Additionally, the project combats cultural and social divides by uniting local residents, migrants, and vulnerable groups through art and storytelling. This fosters mutual understanding and strengthens community bonds, offering a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
We help solve the problem of integrating refugees and forced immigrants by raising public awareness at the local level. We also enrich the cultural and recreational life of Zeitz, attracting new visitors and making the city vibrant and prestigious, countering the global trend of population outflow from small towns. Our project promotes digital technologies, renovates old spaces, and unites local communities, transcending national and cultural differences.
UPSALA CIRCUS - SUITCASES EXHIBIT is designed as a long-term initiative, with a clear plan for development, promotion, and implementation. In the year following the application, the focus will be on the following key steps:
Concept Development and Design (1 month):
The first phase involves brainstorming with the project team and gathering ideas from the audience of the "Suitcases" performance. This will inform the design of interactive installations, multimedia elements, and physical objects. A system for assessing social impact will also be developed. The exhibition’s mobile and modular nature will be prioritized, ensuring easy assembly, disassembly, and adaptability to various spaces.
Production and Preparation (3 months):
During this phase, the exhibition objects will be created, including interactive installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map." Two sets of the exhibition will be produced: one for Germany and another to accompany the touring performance of "Suitcases." Logistics, including transportation, setup instructions, and promotional plans, will be finalized to ensure smooth implementation.Organisation of the exhibition in Zeitz.
Implementation and Touring (2 years):
The exhibition will tour 32 locations in Germany and Europe, reaching an estimated 6,000 visitors per venue. The interactive nature of the exhibition allows for continuous content updates, ensuring its relevance over time. Social impact data will be collected, analyzed, and published on the project’s website, providing insights into its effectiveness.
Key Features for Sustainability and Scalability:
Interactive and Evolving Content: The exhibition’s digital tools, such as QR codes and online platforms, enable the constant addition of new stories and voices, keeping the content fresh and engaging.
Efficient Logistics: Using UPSALA Circus’s transport resources and detailed setup instructions, the exhibition can be easily moved and installed.
Concept Development and Design (1 month):
The first phase involves brainstorming with the project team and gathering ideas from the audience of the "Suitcases" performance. This will inform the design of interactive installations, multimedia elements, and physical objects. A system for assessing social impact will also be developed. The exhibition’s mobile and modular nature will be prioritized, ensuring easy assembly, disassembly, and adaptability to various spaces.
Production and Preparation (3 months):
During this phase, the exhibition objects will be created, including interactive installations like "Pack a Suitcase" and the "Migration Map." Two sets of the exhibition will be produced: one for Germany and another to accompany the touring performance of "Suitcases." Logistics, including transportation, setup instructions, and promotional plans, will be finalized to ensure smooth implementation.Organisation of the exhibition in Zeitz.
Implementation and Touring (2 years):
The exhibition will tour 32 locations in Germany and Europe, reaching an estimated 6,000 visitors per venue. The interactive nature of the exhibition allows for continuous content updates, ensuring its relevance over time. Social impact data will be collected, analyzed, and published on the project’s website, providing insights into its effectiveness.
Key Features for Sustainability and Scalability:
Interactive and Evolving Content: The exhibition’s digital tools, such as QR codes and online platforms, enable the constant addition of new stories and voices, keeping the content fresh and engaging.
Efficient Logistics: Using UPSALA Circus’s transport resources and detailed setup instructions, the exhibition can be easily moved and installed.
