Culture X Integration

When we talk about culture and integration, most likely everyone has their own initial associations. In our workshop we want to take up and expand on these associations: What different meanings does culture have for us? How can we shape and perceive culture in such a way that it helps us come closer, not drive us further apart? And can cultural concepts be used to make it easier for people to enter social life and the job market in their new home?

Our showcases not only cover different perspectives on the overlaps between culture and integration, but also reflect the different aspects of culture itself. This also shows the expanse of the conceptual term “culture” and how it can be turned into a strength when using culture and cultural activities in the context of other social issues.

In the workshop, we illustrate this with three roundtables, each of which is organised by one of our three showcases:

• Under the title "Integration into culture", the Oceanie Foundation from Poland will provide insights into how migrants can be supported in familiarising themselves with life in a different culture.
• The "Art of Belonging" project is entitled "Integration through culture and placemaking" and looks at how and which cultural activities can help to create a sense of belonging.
• The grass-route initiative "Give something back to Berlin", "Cultural exchange and integration of skills" will show us that integration efforts are not a one-way street, but that integration and cultural exchange are something that benefits everyone if approached in the right way.