EUNIC Mobility Scheme visit to Goethe-Institute in Munich
A fantastic visit to Goethe-Institut as part of the EUNIC Global Mobility Scheme full of incredible insights and new friendships! Angela Yausheva, a British Council colleague based in Belgrade, Serbia, talks about her experience in Munich.
What a whirlwind of a study trip it has been! When thinking back to the days we spent in Munich, getting down to the nitty-gritty of the engines driving Goethe-Institut forward, I am immensely grateful to have been chosen to be a part of the programme as it proved to be a truly unique and illuminating experience.
I am still amazed at how we managed to delve into such variety of subjects in just three days, covering everything from cultural projects to VR. Generosity of spirit, genuine desire to learn from each other and bring into the open success stories as well as challenges shared by Goethe-Institut colleagues and our wonderful peers from other cultural institutions was invalueable. It was really useful to share best practice and realise that we are all going through similar procceses of transformation in the post-pandemic, geopolitically challenging contexts around the world. It was especially moving to be greeted by Johannes Ebert, the Secretary General of the Goethe-Institut, who shared his vision of the development of cultural relations in the near future, stipulating the importance of exchanges such as ours.
I was particularly grateful to have been given a chance to lead a discussion on well-being in cultural institutions and moderate a session on working under difficult circumstances, where I was able to highlight the superhuman efforts that the British Council's team in Ukraine is putting into the delivery of projects as the war rages on.
Additionally, I must say that the choice of topics for discussion and external visits was top notch, I believe we have all learnt a great deal about AI in cultural relations, digital innovation and business development from our colleagues at Goethe-Insitut and will be bringing back a whole list of action points - I know I certainly will! Many thanks to Dr. Jeannette Neustadt-Grusche and Lisa Graf for putting together such a superb agenda and giving us the opportunity to meet the heads of all the departments.
Last but not least, I am really pleased to have met the colleagues from the Swedish Institute, Institut Cervantes, Arts Council Malta, Czech Centre, and my peers from the British Council - it was a privilege to be in the company of such esteemed professionals!
I would highly recommend applying for the EUNIC Global Mobility Scheme to the colleagues worldwide, don't miss your chance to have an exhilarating and insightful exchange at one of the largest international cultural institutions!