Blurring the Lines – on “narrative and storytelling”
Blurring the Lines is founded by Klaus Früchtnis and Steve Bisson. European Cultural Centre and FOTODOK are partners in this program. Blurring the Lines stands for peace, dialogue, democracy, and the well-being of humankind. We stand in wholehearted solidarity and sympathy with all those affected and experiencing difficult times due to the conflicts and wars occurring around the world. We also offer support and affection for those protesting and taking action for more peaceful and humane outcomes.
Many scholars and students leave Russia, as many others have been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine. The current situation is not an isolated incident, with numerous active conflicts, genocides, and civil wars occurring on a large scale. It is essential to examine our individual and institutional responses to the wars in Syria, Afghanistan, or Mali, the civil wars in Colombia or Guatemala, or the ongoing migrant crisis in Europe or at the Mexican and US borders, to name just a few. In the past, we have failed to respond with the same intentionality as we are today. We are committed to doing better and partnering with you all to ensure that we advance liberatory practices in our work—individually and collectively.
In these difficult and frightening times, we should also take a moment to reflect on the challenges and opportunities for media and democracy. The current conflict has triggered the spread of fake news and disinformation. Blurring the Lines advocates and supports all journalists, photographers, and artists who protect our democracy by sharing their work. They are everyone’s eyes and ears, so we can experience the freedom to be critical.
Learning how academic institutions connect, reflect, and express solidarity through dialogue, creative expression, and public engagement is encouraging. In the present climate, we are incredibly thankful for our community’s creativity and their willingness to support the crisis in any possible way.
Blurring the Lines truly believes that creativity and art are full paths and tools for meaningful and positive transformation. In response to the most recent events, we are launching a series of talks to engage with the younger generation on “narrative and storytelling.”
Thursday, April 28th, 18h-19h
Guests: Mirre Korevaar, Dalia Hussein, Thero Makepe
Moderators: Lisanne van Happen and Klaus Fruchtnis
Klick here for the Zoom link to connect to this event
Thursday, May 19th, 18h-19h
Guests: Nadia Adler, Gabriela Elena Suarez, Siva Sai Jeevantham
Moderators: Elena Volpato and Steve Bisson
Klick here for the Zoom link to connect to this event
If you have any suggestions for how Blurring the Lines can help or support your ongoing initiatives, please email us (info@blurringthelines.org).
© Mirre Korevaar
