September – November 2025
The Goethe-Institut Myanmar invites applications to participate in a series of Focus Group Discussions as part of the initiative phase of its slow project Towards Empathy. This experimental project explores empathy as both a method and a lens—through which we examine human connection, shared experience, and the subtleties of everyday life.
These discussions are designed as collaborative, reflective spaces where participants co-develop ideas, exchange perspectives, and contribute to the ongoing conceptual and artistic exploration of empathy. Led by artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners from Myanmar and beyond, the sessions will foster dialogue, critical reflection, and creative thinking.
We welcome applications from individuals or representatives based in Myanmar, South, East, and Southeast Asia, as well as Germany and other international locations. No prior artistic or academic expertise is required—curiosity, openness, and a willingness to listen and share are central.
Themes and Areas of Exploration
Rather than fixed categories, the discussions will focus on lived experience and the many dimensions of empathy, such as:
- Everyday practices of care, attention, and connection
- Experiences of difference, diversity, and inclusion
- Negotiating identity, memory cultures, and personal history
- Emotional, social, and communal bonds in changing contexts
- The interplay between individual and collective perspectives
Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions and reflections, and to explore how empathy shapes—and is shaped by—the world around them.
Timeline & Participation Requirements
September – November 2025: Group discussions (in person, online, or hybrid)
Commitment: Minimum 12–20 hours over six weeks to 8 weeks.
A small honorarium will be provided for participants.
How to Apply
Please apply by submitting the followings:
- A short statement (max. 500 words) reflecting on why you wish to join the discussions and what perspectives or experiences you hope to contribute. The letter can be written in Myanmar or English.
- Accompanying material such as portfolio, work samples, past projects, research, or writing samples (NOT exceeding 20 Megabytes).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (max. 2 pages) including relevant experiences.
- Contact Information (full name, email address, and phone number).
Orientation sessions
To ensure a clear understanding of the application preparation and submission process, we will provide the following online orientation sessions (in Burmese):
Date: 22.08.2025 (Friday)
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Myanmar Time)
https://goethe-institut.zoom.us/j/81069851510
Meeting ID: 810 6985 1510
Date: 29.08.2025 (Friday)
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Myanmar Time)
https://goethe-institut.zoom.us/j/82024618451
Meeting ID: 820 2461 8451
Submission Process
Completed applications should be submitted via email to
empathy-yangon@goethe.de
no later than
07th September 2025 (Myanmar Time, 11:59 PM). Late submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process
All applicants will receive confirmation of receipt via email. The selection process will take place in two phases:
• Selection announcement: during the 3rd week of September 2025.
Contact
For questions or to submit your application, please email:
empathy-yangon@goethe.de
We look forward to hearing from you and to beginning this shared exploration—thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with care.
