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Description
The broader purpose and ambition of the project is to defend the shrinking space of civil society, which have been observed in Slovakia (and beyond) in the recent years. The project also promotes and reinforces human and civil rights, freedom of speech and artistic expression or democratic values. In the Post Bellum SK it is believed, that only people who are aware of the history of their country and society, will be able to cope in an effective way with the “heritage” of totalitarian regimes and future challenges for society in the European Union. The project addresses and challenges negative phenomena such as growing support of extreme far-right movement, anti-Semitism, xenophobia etc. It consists of combination of cultural and educational activities (recording testimonies of witnesses, multi-genre exhibition and educational activities) conducted in Slovakia and in Norway during the project period. The project also focuses on development of skills, capacity and know-how sharing between Post Bellum SK and our Norwegian partner - The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies.
Summary of project results
The project "History Defines Our Future" focused on addressing several critical issues and challenges related to historical awareness and its relevance to contemporary society. One of the primary issues was the lack of awareness and appreciation for cultural and historical heritage, which often leads to its gradual loss over time. The project aimed to tackle this by fostering a deeper understanding and connection to history within communities. Another challenge was the growing disconnect between older and younger generations. The project sought to bridge this gap by encouraging dialogue and shared learning experiences about historical events and their importance today. Additionally, the project addressed the issue of limited educational resources for teaching history in engaging and accessible ways, which can hinder the learning process. The project also aimed to combat cultural polarization by highlighting shared historical experiences and common values, fostering unity among diverse groups. Lastly, it emphasized the importance of integrating historical lessons into modern contexts to address contemporary social, cultural, and political challenges effectively. Through these efforts, the project aspired to inspire communities to reflect on the lessons of the past and use them to shape a more informed and cohesive future.
The project "History Defines Our Future" focused on documenting and presenting stories of World War II survivors and the second generation of Holocaust survivors. Using the audiovisual Eye Direct method developed by Post Bellum, 15 testimonies from Slovakia and 10 from Norway were recorded, with interviews conducted in collaboration with the Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies. These stories, archived online at www.memoryofnations.eu, were also transformed into five Slovak and three Norwegian short films, highlighting personal narratives within the broader historical context. These materials enriched subsequent project activities, including an exhibition and educational events.
One significant outcome was the "Students with Freedom #forever" conference, held at the Holocaust Museum in Sereď. This three-day event gathered university students and faculty from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, along with international experts, to explore topics such as Holocaust education, combating antisemitism, and modern pedagogical approaches. Workshops, lectures, and artistic presentations provided participants with insights into history, storytelling, and the importance of addressing contemporary social challenges. Outputs from the conference were shared on Post Bellum''s platforms to reach wider audiences.
Another key milestone was the exhibition "Memory as Reference: Critical Contexts of the Slovak State in Contemporary Visual Art". Hosted at the Museum of Holocaust in Sereď from May to September 2023, the exhibition featured works by Slovak contemporary artists that linked 20th-century authoritarian regimes with modern political and social issues. The exhibition also included short films created during the project, reinforcing its message of preserving memory and encouraging critical engagement with history.
The project also addressed organizational sustainability through the creation of a strategic document outlining Post Bellum''s short- to medium-term plans amidst changing funding conditions. Finally, "Cinema Stories" brought the project to Slovak schools, using documentary screenings and discussions to engage students in critical thinking about democracy, war, and the Holocaust. This activity reached over 1,500 students, fostering reflection and debate on historical and contemporary issues.
The project achieved significant outcomes across multiple activities, benefiting various groups, particularly students, educators, and the broader public. Below are the key results and impacts:
Educational Impact on Students and Youth:
o Through activities like Cinema Stories, the project reached over 1,500 secondary school students across Slovakia, helping them engage with important historical topics such as the Holocaust, war, and democracy.
o The screenings of short documentary films followed by discussions strengthened students'' critical thinking and argumentative skills, fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and their relevance to contemporary issues. -
Preservation and Promotion of Memory:
o The documentation of the personal stories of Holocaust survivors and second-generation survivors, through the Eye Direct method, contributed to preserving historical memory. These stories were shared through films, making the voices of survivors accessible to future generations.
o The online archive (www.memoryofnations.eu) became a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the history of World War II and its survivors, offering personal accounts from survivors in Slovakia and Norway.
Cultural and Academic Exchange:
o The project facilitated international collaboration, with participation from partners such as the Norwegian Centre for Holocaust and Minority Studies and Czech Post Bellum. This exchange helped broaden perspectives on teaching and documenting Holocaust history, fostering transnational dialogue.
o The Students with Freedom #forever conference, held in Sereď, involved students and educators from Slovakia and the Czech Republic, contributing to knowledge-sharing in various fields, including journalism, education, and cultural studies.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity:
o The strategic planning activity resulted in a comprehensive document outlining a plan for Post Bellum’s future, including the creation of a cultural center by 2030. This will guide the organization in achieving long-term sustainability and expanding its cultural and educational impact.
Increased Visibility and Engagement:
o The project generated wider interest in the topics of democracy and historical memory, evidenced by the media coverage and participation in events such as the Memory as Reference exhibition.
o The public and academic outreach activities enhanced the visibility of Post Bellum’s work, bringing attention to the importance of preserving historical memory and combating hate speech.
Overall, the project reached a diverse group of beneficiaries, including students, educators, history enthusiasts, cultural institutions, and survivors’ communities, providing them with valuable tools for understanding and discussing history while fostering a commitment to democracy and human rights
Summary of bilateral results
The History Defines Our Future project greatly benefited from its collaboration with the Norwegian Centre for Holocaust and Minority Studies (NCHMS), which enhanced the project''s reach and impact through cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.The NCHMS contributed expertise in Holocaust education, memory studies, and minority issues, enriching the project’s educational components. Norwegian experts provided valuable insights into teaching methodologies and best practices, emphasizing ways to engage younger generations. This collaboration also led to the development of innovative training materials and programs, including the "Sources and Individuals" educational initiative, offering fresh perspectives on Holocaust pedagogy and history.The partnership fostered cultural and educational exchanges between Slovak and Norwegian professionals, academics, and students. Joint workshops and discussions created a platform for dialogue on the role of memory and education in addressing challenges like antisemitism and hate speech. These exchanges deepened mutual understanding of each country’s historical experiences, enriching academic discussions and raising awareness of the Holocaust and totalitarian regimes.Key outcomes included joint films, exhibitions, and documentaries, with Slovak and Norwegian teams documenting Holocaust survivors'' testimonies. This collaboration broadened the project’s scope and provided diverse historical perspectives. Notably, the NCHMS co-organized events such as the screening of Our Space in Time: Jewish Short Films from V4 Countries in Sereď, which brought international professionals together to discuss the Holocaust and its portrayal in film and media.This bilateral collaboration strengthened the project by integrating diverse expertise, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and creating impactful educational and cultural outputs that address historical and contemporary issues.