The social transformation in the East after the fall of the Berlin Wall has many facets. It is reflected in the restructuring of political structures, institutions, and social relations, and becomes visible in life stories and biographies. In the volume Vergessene Zukunft (Forgotten Future), photographer Holger Herschel captured the period of transition in several photo series, two of which – Schwarze Pumpe and Altes Eisen – are currently on view at the Goethe‑Institut Brussels.

Today, 35 years later, these images allow us to look back into a time capsule. We become witnesses to the radical transformation from a socialist planned economy to a market‑driven industrial society. Together with Holger Herschel and Dr Annette Schuhmann, historian and cultural scholar, we will explore this process — one that often demanded great adaptability from people and raises questions about the value and future of work in times of upheaval, then and now.

The experiences (…) gained from this history of transformation could set in motion a process that involves employees in strategies for addressing current crises, thereby reducing the costs of future socio‑political challenges. (Annette Schuhmann, Vergessene Zukunft)

Programme
18:00 Doors open
18:30 Welcome 1
8:45 Conversation with Holger Herschel and Dr Annette Schuhmann, moderated by Andrea Gärtner, Office of the State of Berlin to the EU
20:00 Reception and exhibition visit with Holger Herschel Registration required. The event is a cooperation between the Goethe‑Institut Brussels, the Office of the State of Berlin to the EU, and the Representation of the State of Brandenburg to the EU.