Mission Statement [part 2]
The House of World Cultures’ programme work reflects changing global conditions and creates a basis for new forms of interdisciplinary artistic co-operation.
Migration, international networks, encounters with other traditions and other modernities have transformed cultural conditions throughout the world and created new conditions for art. National cultures, even where they are still experienced as homogeneous by many people, no longer ensure binding cultural affiliation. Dualistic models based on the division of the world into a centre and a periphery have given way a new paradigm that recognises cultures of equal value, different modern developments and the inclusion of cultural memory. All over the world, artists, authors and scientists are relating to these changes in their works. In co-operation with them, the House of World Cultures seeks to develop a programme presenting responses and artistic models that reflect these international conditions in terms of what they mean for the individual and for human beings living together in a global world.
The building now serving as the seat of the House of World Cultures was originally designed as the Congress Hall. It is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks. The building is situated in the cultural and political centre of Berlin.
The guests of the House of World Cultures include Homi K Bhahba, Okwui Enwezor, Edouard Glissant, Matthew Ngui, Elias Khoury, Cathrine David, Geeta Kapur, Lesego Rampolokeng, Jin Xing, Sen Hea Ha, Duma Kumalo, Susan Sontag, Abdelwahab Meddeb, Nèstor Garcia Canclin, Bernard Khoury, Koffi Kôkô, Rajesh Mehta, Malick Sidibé, Tahar Ben Jelloun, Dzevad Karahasan, Monajat Yulchieva, Ismail Ivo, Ryszard Kapuscunski, Ea Sola, László Kraznahorkai, Jesús Díaz, Cheb Mami, dumb type, Sen Hea Ha, Sally Nyolo, Kenzaburo Oe, Yulduz Usmanova, Yoshi Oida, Mahmood Darwish, Yvonne Vera, Cesaria Evora, Richard Sennett, Natacha Atlas, Gao Xingjian, Breyten Breytenbach, Bei Dao, Richard Bona, Huschang Golschiri, Sandeep Bhagwati, Kisho Kurokawa.
