While the Government’s Brexit difficulties have been deepening Carlisle has been doing its bit for European unity by hosting a unique cultural event.
The city was selected to represent the UK in a Europe wide cultural exchange, named the ‘Freiraum’ project.
Funded by the Goethe Institut in Germany, the project links 42 cities across Europe.
Among the events, representatives from the city welcomed the Secretary General of Goethe Institut (the German equivalent of British Council) and held a spoken word event involving Carlisle and Greek artists at the University.
On Saturday an exhibition opened at the Carlisle Youth Zone displaying collages and sculptures created by young people in Carlisle and Thessaloniki in Greece who had linked up online in a unique art project.
Sophia Hammond, eight, had her work on display in the exhibition and took pride in showing it to Johannes Ebert, secretary general of the Goethe Institute.
“It was interesting to come to the Youth Zone and think about people in other countries. Art is my favourite subject at school.” she said.
Jessica Cunningham, 11, of Thirlwell Avenue, Carlisle, found herself being interviewed by a German radio station during the exhibition opening.
“It was a bit overwhelming to have people interviewing me about my picture, but it was good to tell them how we had been exploring how we can connect to people with art,” she said.
German journalists and representatives of the Goethe Institut were given a tour of Carlisle and as well as visiting its historic sites dropped in on the Old Fire Station to see the contemporary art exhibition and meet with city MP John Stevenson.
Aftab Kham, development manager for Awaz which helped organise this weekend’s events, said: “It’s exciting that we are connecting communities and countries in this way, linking up across borders to explore what freedom means.
“We may leave the EU, but we can’t leave continental Europe so politicians need to listen and ensure that whatever happens, they do not put barriers up between people.”
During his visit Johannes Ebert, secretary general of the Goethe Institut, spoke of his sadness at the UK’s move towards Brexit.
“I personally regret Brexit. Great Britain has been a very important partner for the EU and Germany. It hurts me as I have so many English and Scottish friends.
“Through this project we have people in Carlisle and all over Europe discussing issues such as tolerance and freedom – things that are under pressure with all the uncertainties across Europe – and bringing people together like this to co-operate is more important than ever.”
