Chomutov: Art that heals old wounds and connects continents

What do the Ore Mountains and British Columbia have in common? More than meets the eye. In Chomutov, we support a unique Czech-German-Canadian initiative that uses art to open up themes of reconciliation and identity. Inspired by Karl May, but with a twist, the project brings foreign artists into the region, along with a new perspective on who we are.
Historical houses with a tower in the city centre. The beauty of the region that we help mayors protect and further develop.
Historical houses with a tower in the city centre. The beauty of the region that we help mayors protect and further develop.
Historical houses with a tower in the city centre. The beauty of the region that we help mayors protect and further develop.

In Chomutov, we have established a collaboration with the Women's Society, z.s., which has come up with a fascinating project called "Try Walking in My Shoes". It is an initiative inspired by Karl May, who wrote about America without having visited it.

After a hundred years, the tables are turning. Artists from Canada are now creating works inspired by our Czech-German border region. The project also involves Indigenous artists, which opens deep themes of cultural genocide and subsequent reconciliation. This Canadian experience can surprisingly provide strong inspiration for us in Central Europe, especially in border areas.

In the Church of St. Catherine, we have already had the opportunity to see the exhibition "You May Dream in Chomutov". NFMD financially supported part of the society's activities, and we plan to continue our support – we want to help facilitate further visits of Canadian artists to us so that the dialogue can continue.