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Description
The initiative aims to develop cooperation and a deeper understanding in the field of common history of Norway and the Czech Republic - focus is on mapping the Czech prisoners in Norway during the WW2. By joint research, sharing of know-how and artistic interpretation, this initiative may bring a larger view and knowledge about the historical facts.
Activities include travels to Norway (Oslo, Trondheim) and the Czech Republic (Prague, Jilemnice) during the autumn 2020, producing the artwork and the exhibition in Prague (autumn 2021).
The co-operation with institutional partners and researchers
Summary of the results
Study visits took place as planned. Overall, the initiative was based on two main factors: A genuine interest in aquiring more knowledge about Czechoslovakian slave labour in Norway during WW2, as well as a wish to explore cross border the common theme of prisoners from WW2. Involvement of partner USTR and artists Petr Rehor and Paulina Pasanen, provided valuable insight in this important topic. The Falstad centre has since its inception a strong focus on the role art can play in communicating difficult matters from WW2. The planned initiatives and activities have led to the following: Increased knowledge about Czechoslovakian forced labour in Norway during WW2, a part of our joint legacy that deserves more attention, and a clear evidence on how art can help communicated contested and difficult layers of history. The artwork made by artists Rehor/Pasanen in the exhibition now displayed at Falstad is related to one specific personal history, but has value well beyond this. A common remark from visitors to the exhibition is along the lines of " My grandfather/mother also did not say anything about the experienced during WW2, they just moved on". The grant application states that one of the targets is competence building within partner organisations when it comes to the use of art in the communication of contested and undercommunicated layers of history from the common Czech/Norway WW2 history. This ambition was fulfilled.