In 2016, LEGIDA grew larger and larger and changed interpersonal life in Leipzig. The media was dominated by dehumanising, linguistic images of migrants. We wanted to counteract this and founded unofficial.pictures.
Through our work, we create space to share different, personal perspectives, strengthen empathy and build mutual understanding.
A lot has happened since then, more diverse voices have become audible, migrant people have fought for space and created their own media platforms.
In recent years, we have observed a backlash in many parts of society: Populist opinion-making and right-wing extremist forces are on the rise again - the tone among people has become harsher and more hardened.
We want to counter this with diversity and dialogue. To mark the opening of our new premises in Leipzig, we are showcasing projects from the last nine years that offer diverse perspectives on migration, arrival and belonging. Together with you, we want to continue thinking, listening and exchanging ideas – for a society based on solidarity with free people!

The program for the opening weekend:
Thurs. June 5th, 6:00 p.m. Opening with dinner, speeches and DJ
Sat. June 7th, 7:30 p.m. Update on »NO REST« and the current situation on the Belarus-Poland border (Activists will report on their experiences and repression: we are collecting smartphones, power banks, charging cables and donations for their work)
Sun. June 8th, 7:30 p.m. Zine presentation »A look over our shoulder, an insight into our perspective«
Mon. June 9, 7:30 PM: Lecture and discussion on Frieder's photographic work »Komplex:Heimat«

Open during the opening weekend, 6–9 June, from 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. each day.
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., weekends and public holidays by appointment.

We look forward to seeing you at our new premises at Ernst-Mey-Str. 7A in Leipzig-Plagwitz!
In addition to our Leipzig office, where Frieder and our new volunteer Vieronika work, the space will primarily be used for exhibitions and workshops, making it visible to people from Leipzig and beyond.
The opening exhibition and programme are sponsored by GLS Treuhand and the Leipzig-Southwest district budget.

For the latest information on the exhibition, including future events, please visit https://unofficial.pictures/esgibtgrenzen

Seit der Eröffnung des Community Art Center, unseres Raums für Dialog- und Veränderungskunst in Suhl, sind dort auch Fotos und Interviews aus unserem Projekt »Change of perspective – First reception« ausgestellt. Am 29. April stellte nun Lena Löhr bei einem Hörabend die Audio-Versionen der Interviews vor, in denen die Eindrücke der interviewten Menschen noch mal sehr nah erfahrbar sind, und denen ihr in der Ausstellung noch bis Jahresende über Kopfhörer lauschen könnt – geöffnet jeweils Mittwoch und Donnerstag von 10-13 und 14-18 Uhr und zu Veranstaltungen.
Mitte Juni kommt dann die Künstlerin Natalia Castillo Rincón aus Weimar nach Suhl. Mit ihrem Format »Papaya Patio« nimmt sie Bezug darauf, dass viele Europäer*innen gerne exotische Früchte essen, aber nicht die „exotischen“ Menschen wollen. Ihre Vision ist eine aufblasbare durchsichtige Papaya zu bauen, in der Gesprächsformate stattfinden können. Aktuell setzt sie aber auch Begegnungsformate ohne Papaya um. Gemeinsam organisieren wir am 14.6. ein festliches Essen im CAC, bei dem Migrant*innen aus der Erstaufnahme und andere Suhler*innen zusammen kommen und gegenseitig füreinander Gastgeber*innen sind. Zur Vorbereitung besticken und bemalen wir an der Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung und im öffentlichen Raum im Zentrum von Suhl die Tischdecken und Servietten. Kommt vorbei, wenn ihr in der Nähe seid!

The ceremonial opening of the Suhl Community Art Center on December 7th was truly wonderful, thanks to the Meckerchor choir, a moderated three-course meal, and many interested guests! The exhibition for our project "Perspective Change: Initial Reception" is now open every Wednesday and Thursday. After an initial theater workshop with a school class, we are planning a wide range of accompanying programs – the latest information will be posted on the project website.
Smaller events, such as an evening commemorating resistance fighters during the Nazi era in Suhl and a play about the Sinto-German boxer Johann Wilhelm Trollmann, have already taken place.
Many more projects are planned for the year – you can find the invitations between the newsletters on Instagram and WhatsApp channels of the Community Art Center.