Shaping the Past builds connections and showcases patterns that constitute a transnational memory culture at work to address systemic racism and sexism, social and economic exclusion, and legacies of colonial and state violence. Featuring works by artists, activists, and collectives from North America and Germany — all part of the Monument Lab Fellows Program — this exhibition broadens understandings and illuminates ongoing memory interventions that reimagine civil society.

The spotlighted projects offer innovative and reparative models that highlight creative changemakers who are actively shaping the past and our paths forward. Part of a titular project begun in 2019, Shaping the Past will be presented by Goethe-Instituts across North America between June and November 2021.