Call for Applications: International Exchange Programme on Issues of ‘Memory Work’

As part of its international co-operation on the study and reappraisal of dictatorships and reigns of violence, the Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur (Federal Foundation for the study of the Communist Dictatorship in Eastern Germany) is offering scholarships to participants in an international exchange programme on issues of ‘Memory Work’.

The aim of the programme is to encourage international exchange on issues of Memory Work, to thereby deepen all participants’ knowledge of the concerned countries’ histories and the ways these are addressed, and thus to contribute to a better understanding of current debates and the historical, political and social factors underlying them in their respective contexts.

Within the exchange programme, representatives of either German or foreign NGOs, commemorative projects and initiatives, independent archives, museums and other institutions involved in the study of dictatorships will be given an opportunity to work for a limited period of time at a relevant partner institution – either in Germany (for participants coming from other countries) or in an institution in a foreign country (for participants coming from Germany). In this respect representatives of a German institution may work at an institution involved in Memory Work abroad. Likewise representatives of foreign institutions dealing with the study of dictatorships and reigns of violence are welcome to work in an equivalent institution in Germany. The programme does not include a pure scientific exchange. It is aimed for institutions working in the field of memory work and dealing with the past like independent archives, Memorials, Museums and NGOs. The exchange period may last no more than 3 months. One focus of the programme is the study of the Communist past.

Applications must be submitted to the Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SEDDiktatur
– On behalf of each individual applicant – by a relevant institution in the Federal Republic of Germany (NGOs, commemorative projects and initiatives, independent archives, museums, schools, universities, and other institutions involved in the study of dictatorships).
Participants will be selected on the basis of the following documents, which are to be included in the application:
– The applicant’s curriculum vitae (CV)
– Evidence of the applicant’s personal commitment to the study of Communist dictatorships or other experiences of violence, as well as a description of his/her previous activities
– A statement explaining the applicant’s personal motivation (i.e. why s/he wishes to participate in the exchange programme)
– Confirmation from the host institution that it welcomes the applicant and his/her project proposal
– Proof of the applicant’s resp. the host institution’s language skills, i.e. of the level of fluency required for successful implementation of the proposed project.

Programme participants are required to remain at the host institution for the duration of the entire exchange period.

For the purpose of project monitoring, a detailed report is to be submitted in German and English to the Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur and the relevant project partners.

Each programme participant will receive a scholarship of EUR 2000.00 per month.
Each host institution will receive the sum of EUR 300.00 per month, to cover eventual travel or material costs arising during the exchange period.
Each participant is personally liable for his/her transport costs to and from the host institution.
Participants, resp. the host institutions are personally liable for payment of any taxes or charges due.

It is expected that each host institution:
– Be a relevant institution involved in the study of Communist dictatorships or other experiences of violence as well as in Memory Work, particularly that concerned with Communist dictatorships
– Provide a position/work space and the infrastructure
– Provide professional supervision and support
– Submit a final report
– Have the language skills necessary for successful project implementation

Applications for participation in the exchange programme must be submitted before 31st August 2018. Exchange projects may begin after 1st January 2019.

Applications must be made by post – not by email – by a relevant German institution and addressed to:
Bundesstiftung zur Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur
Re: International Exchange Programme
Kronenstraße 5
10117 Berlin
Germany

For more information, including in German, see https://www.bundesstiftung-aufarbeitung.de/internationales-austauschprogramm-quot%3Bmemory-work-quot%3B-5112.html.