KUNST GRENZENLOS is an integrative art and culture project organised by Malteser Werke. The aim is to offer refugees artistic activity, participation and support in the creative and exhibition process and at the same time to open up dialogue with the works in order to make a sustainable and constantly new contribution to a peaceful and pluralistic society.

In 2023, the KUNST GRENZENLOS project presented an impressive series of four exhibitions in Soest, Leipzig, Hamburg and Cologne together with people with refugee experience, as well as a concert in Cologne. The events not only served as a platform for artistic expression, but also as a place for encounters and as a means of promoting integration and intercultural understanding.

Our experience shows that artistic activity always has a positive effect on people, their development and their environment. Art promotes well-being, our health and has a positive influence on how we live together. Especially for people in our accommodation centres who are in the process of letting go, arriving and integrating, art has the potential to provide support.

With a view to the next round in 2024, KUNST GRENZENLOS is planning an even more diverse initiative under the motto "Art does you good".

We are still inviting residents with individual works and colleagues with project works from our facilities to present their works at two planned exhibitions. We see the creation of new meeting spaces and the expansion of forms of participation as part of the ongoing development of the KUNST GRENZENLOS project. 

Living room concerts in refugee centres
Residents come together in a cosy atmosphere to experience and share culture. Digital recordings make it possible to make performances accessible to a wide audience and create platforms for people with refugee experience. Virtual events encourage interaction and participation, build bridges between cultures and strengthen the community through cultural exchange.

discover now

Artists with refugee experience visit German schools
Schools offer a unique platform for exchange between pupils and artists with refugee experience. This fosters a deeper connection and enables cultural dialogue. The school thus becomes a vibrant social space that promotes diversity and inclusion, while artists serve as role models.

discover now

Individual stories become universal experiences
A theatre project brings the stories and experiences of refugees to the stage. Through playback theatre, audience members are actively involved in the performance, creating a unique connection. The art lies in bringing audience narratives to life and creating universal experiences.

Art for me is the embodiment of the freedom of the soul in a physical body. It is the birth of the soul and body of a person, reflects his experiences and emotions from the outside and inside. It is a world that comes from all the pain and beauty. And it is also the freedom of the inner world, which is limitless in various forms. A person is born to touch the soul and emotions of others. And art is a cure for human suffering and a way to communicate with all people without geographical and linguistic limitations. Art is the common language of all people.

read more
 

Being a woman was not my choice, but living as a woman is my art. In my country it is difficult to live as a woman. Art was my only salvation. Art offers me refuge from depression and loneliness. Art is like a friend. During my work I talk to my painting and it is as if it talks to me at the end of each work.. 

Weiterlesen

Art is any activity or work that people perform for the purpose of communication and aesthetics. It is open, fluid, constantly evolving, and thus "limitless."

However, we have recognized one limit. Especially people (with refugee experience) who have only recently become part of our society do not have the necessary financial means and organizational possibilities to present their works in public or to pursue their passion. We want to change this. We would like to give as many artists as possible from our Malteser accommodations* the opportunity to make their works and thus also a piece of themselves visible.

The realization of this project is only possible with the support of our numerous employees. With their commitment, creativity, expertise and joy, they are not only valuable partners and companions for our artists. We will also be pleased to present your contributions (works) as the result of teamwork and/or individual creation.

*in which the Malteser carries out the care task on behalf of the federal states

Why this project?

We as Malteser have decided to implement this special project because art is an integrative part of our daily work:

• Art projects with adults
• Art projects with children and teenagers
• Designing spaces
• Creating spaces for art
• Music, theater, dance and movement
• Writing workshops

In this project we understand art as a broad concept: painting, drawing and photography; music and singing as well as theater, dance and literature. The possibilities are varied and limitless - as are the aesthetic-artistic forms, abstraction skills and symbolism.

What do they all have in common? At one point they meet: With the means of ART we have a universal language that helps us (better) understand, process and communicate.

Art is created and lived by those who create and love art.