Art in exchange: Lydia Smith explores Dresden's memorial places

Art in exchange: Lydia Smith explores Dresden's memorial places

In the fascinating world of art and international exchange, an exciting chapter is developing. Lydia Smith, a creative media artist, went on the trip from Dresden to Columbus, Ohio, to gain deeper insights into the exchange between the two partner cities. Since 1992, a partnership has been connected to both cities that have been consolidated by an exchange program that has been supported by the Saxony Cultural Foundation and the Greater Columbus Arts Council since 1994. Two artists from Saxony go to Ohio every year, while in return two American artists come to Dresden, reports mdr .

The 29-year-old Lydia Smith uses her time in Dresden to explore memory locations such as ruins and monuments. Your work deals intensively with the interaction of cultural heritage and the perception of places. She is looking for the scars of the Second World War in the city, where she examines the Soviet garrison cemetery, the Frauenkirche and a rubble mountain in Friedrichstadt, among other things. She sees these areas as a chance of learning from history and reflecting on today's society.

A look outside the box

Columbus, the dynamic capital of the state of Ohio, houses a flourishing art scene with 2.16 million inhabitants in the Metropolitan region and is characterized by a strong German community. The city not only offers historical charms, such as the famous German Village, but also educational resources because Ohio State University is based there, the largest university in the United States. Large companies and leading research institutions also make the city an innovative place, as Dresden.de

But the challenges are not far from, especially with a view to political developments in the United States. Smith expresses concern about the possible cuts in funding programs for art and education. In this context, the value of artists-in-residence programs and international exchange becomes all the more clear to offer artists a platform for mutual support.

creative exchange as a bridge for understanding

The importance of intercultural dialogue is becoming increasingly clear at the political level. Initiatives such as Germany's foreign cultural and education policy aim to promote international understanding through art and education. This policy, which is one of the three pillars of German foreign policy, emphasizes the importance of the exchange, also in turbulent times, so .

With her stay in Dresden, Lydia Smith wants to expand her perspectives and make it visible through her creative work what potential these places and their history have. Your exchange will not only benefit your own art, but could also make a valuable contribution to the transatlantic dialogue. Finally, the following applies: Art has the strength to build bridges and to create understanding across geographical borders.