Through debates, presentations, lectures, and readings, the participants and guestes of Re:Writing the Future engaged with and learned from one another. We have learned, for instance, that we associate emptiness, despair, and even death with culture in Covid-times, but also innovation, creativity, and solidarity. And to the question “What does a dynamic cultural eco-system need?” We agreed that it must be diversity.

Concerts, spontaneous online chats, interactive polls among viewers as well as engaging conversations in our workshops made the festival all the more lively despite (or perhaps even thanks to) it being held virtually. Accordingly, we are delighted that many report newly gained awareness (“Artists and social work should get closer”) and of being inspired to ask new questions (“How can we tell peoples’ stories while protecting their dignity?”). But most importantly, we are glad that we were left with an impression that the “world feels closer” and a feeling of “growing hope” after the festival. 

Re:Writing the Future was an event by those who have been forced to leave home because they make art. Those who have been working to keep cities open to new voices. And by those who offer creative and open spaces to develop new voices. May four days of open exchange and hope make a contribution to re:writing a future toegether! Among the participating artists and guests were Svetlana Alexievich, Ghayath Almadhoun, Mohammad Ashraf, Khaled Barakeh, Can Dündar,  Ali Hassan, Wolfgang Kaleck, Esra Karakaya, Herta Müller, Rasha Nahas, Marina Naprushkina, Milo Rau, Hakan Savaş Mican, Nazeeha Saeed, Elisabeth Wellershaus, Eyal Weizman et. al.