What does it mean to accompany? Is integration always the correct term? What is a cultural clash, and can one cause harm even with good intentions? What is the correct amount of space to take in the process of welcoming?
These are a few questions and reflections proposed to the public by “Human lines: Anatomy of a welcoming”, an interactive exhibition which gathers from and elaborates upon four years of research, designed to be used by associations, dioceses, institutions, and universities in their territories.
This is useful in elaborating upon the experiences for those who have welcomed, as well as for training and preparing those who will welcome; but effective for all in stimulating reflections regarding all that this encounter with the other entails
This work is a synthesis on a variety of levels: the exhibition is composed of 36 free standing panels, 3 of which are introductory, while the other33 addresses a specific theme through a photograph and a short text, as well as a QR code which gives access to audio content including the protaganosist's voices, opinions and testimonies regarding the theme, from the perspective of operators, refugees, volunteers, experts, and other actors involved in the experience.
There is also a complete online version humanlines.org/conclusions of the experience, with further textual insights.
“Anatomy of a welcoming” has just made its first appearance at the Sabir Festival in Matera, collecting opinion and comments with regards to the work that has been done: some insiders used the term "honest” to describe our work, which we were particularly pleased with. This work does not uncritically celebrate the Corridors model, but probes its depths, drawing out strengths and weaknesses, obligations and short circuits, values and perspectives. We are always looking ahead, with the goal of understanding in order to do better together, as a society.
Anyone interested in requesting the exhibition to use in their territory may view the technical information and conditions of use and may contact us at info@humanlines.org for agreements or any further clarifications
We thank all the territories that welcomed us and those who gave us there time and availability to tell these stories.
