Berlin Remembrance Exchange Programme for Ukrainian Memory Professionals

Deadline: 14-Sep-2026

The Berlin Remembrance Exchange Programme offers a five-day professional exchange in Berlin, Germany, for Ukrainian civil society representatives, journalists, researchers, and other professionals working on memory, public history, documentation, and the experience of war. The programme is organized as part of the Memory in Action project by the Memorial Memory Platform and Cultural Vistas. It aims to strengthen professional exchange between Ukrainian and German actors working in memory studies, memorialization, public history, and related fields. All programme costs, including travel, accommodation, and participation fees, are covered for selected participants.

About the Berlin Remembrance Exchange Programme

The Berlin Remembrance Exchange Programme provides a platform for Ukrainian professionals to exchange knowledge and experience with German colleagues working in memory and public history. The initiative responds to the urgent need for professional dialogue and partnership in the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war. Participants will have opportunities to present contemporary Ukrainian practices, discuss challenges related to documenting and preserving the experience of war, and learn from German approaches to memorialization and public understanding of the past. Programme Objectives The exchange is designed to foster professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Ukrainian and German practitioners.

Its key objectives include:

- Strengthening professional exchange between Ukrainian and German actors - Sharing Ukrainian approaches to memory and public history - Learning from German experiences in memorialization - Developing professional networks and partnerships - Exploring innovative approaches to documenting and preserving memories of war - Supporting dialogue about public understanding of the past - Encouraging new approaches to commemoration and memorial practices What Does the Five-Day Programme Include? The programme consists of a range of professional learning and exchange activities in Berlin.

Participants will take part in

- Study visits to memorial institutions - Visits to museums - Visits to archival institutions - Meetings with German organizations - Meetings with Ukrainian organizations - Professional discussions - Presentations of Ukrainian projects - Knowledge and experience-sharing sessions These activities are designed to provide participants with direct exposure to different approaches to memory work and public history. Key Topics of the Exchange The programme addresses a wide range of issues connected with war, memory, documentation, and commemoration. Documenting War and Preserving Materials Participants will explore approaches to documenting war experiences and preserving relevant materials. This includes consideration of how materials can be collected, maintained, and used to preserve historical memory. Personalizing Mass Casualties The exchange will address ways of presenting and remembering large-scale loss through individual stories and experiences. Personalized approaches can contribute to a deeper public understanding of the human consequences of war. Trauma-Informed Storytelling Trauma-informed approaches to storytelling are another important topic. Participants will have opportunities to discuss how experiences of war can be documented and communicated while taking trauma and the well-being of individuals and communities into consideration. Data Verification The programme also explores data verification in the context of documenting war and preserving historical information. Reliable documentation and verification can play an important role in developing trustworthy public records. Memorial Spaces Participants will examine different approaches to memorial spaces and their role in public memory. Study visits to Berlin’s memorial institutions will provide opportunities to explore how physical spaces can contribute to remembrance and public education. Public Rituals Public rituals and commemorative practices are also among the topics addressed during the exchange. These practices can shape how societies collectively remember important historical events and experiences. Digital Memory The programme explores digital approaches to memory and commemoration. Digital platforms and technologies can create new ways of preserving, presenting, and sharing historical experiences. Innovative Forms of Commemoration

Participants will also discuss innovative approaches to commemoration

The exchange provides an opportunity to compare different practices and explore new ideas for remembering the experience of war. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to representatives of Ukrainian civil society and related professional fields. Eligible applicants include representatives of: - Public organizations - Cultural institutions - Educational institutions - Museums - Journalism and media - Research organizations - Civil society initiatives - Memorial projects - Documentary projects - Educational projects - Digital projects - Artistic projects - Local projects The programme also welcomes authors, researchers, media professionals, and project coordinators whose work relates to memory and public history. Professionals From Other Fields Specialists from other professional fields are also encouraged to apply if their work is connected with understanding, documenting, or preserving the memory of the Russian-Ukrainian war. This allows the programme to bring together professionals with different perspectives and areas of expertise. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a meaningful connection between their professional work and the themes of the exchange. Selection Criteria Selection will consider both the applicant’s professional experience and their motivation to participate.

Applicants should demonstrate:

- Relevant professional experience - Connection to memory, public history, documentation, or war-related work - Interest in professional ex