Simone Borris - Mayor of the City of Magdeburg: Patroness of this year's Art Exhibition "HINSEHEN".
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"Art is a medium that enables a special form of coming to terms with even difficult topics - regardless of language knowledge, competence and level of education."The art exhibition "HINSEHEN" goes into the second round and for the first time we have a patroness. We were able to win our Lord Mayor Simone Borris for this. We want to draw attention to these issues and raise awareness on a different level. Especially the good connection to the city and to the equal opportunity commissioner there, Ms. Ponitka, is very important to draw attention to the issue of violence against women and girls. We talked to her about the relevance of the topic and its visibility, her role as patroness and her pleasure in the interaction of city society, culture and science. |
Picture: Michael Kranz
You are our patroness for this year for the art exhibition "HINSEHEN". The background is the International Day against Violence against Women and Girls on 25.11.2022 and is part of the UN campaign "Orange the World". Why is the topic important to you?
Violence against women and girls is a topic that seems to have no place in public perception due to its sensitivity and severity. A danger to women and girls that is deeply rooted in our society, to which they are exposed qua their belonging to the supposedly weaker sex, obviously does not fit into our modern and enlightened society. All the more it is close to my heart as a member of this society, but of course also as a woman, to support actions that serve to de-tabooize and educate. To raise awareness of the fact that violence against women and girls is omnipresent. Above all, however, to show those affected that there is support available, that it is possible to become active and that they are not left alone with their fears and the shame they may feel.
Why did you become the patron of the art exhibition "HINSEHEN", which is on display at the Volksbad Buckau?
Art is a medium that enables a special form of coming to terms with even difficult topics - regardless of language knowledge, competence and level of education. It creates different approaches to the topic and allows visitors to deal with it at their own depth and speed. As mayor, I am very happy to support such a low-threshold offering for a broad audience.
"HINSEHEN" is a link between the city, cultural actors, artists and the university's Office for Gender Equality - what opportunities do you see in this cooperation and could you imagine a continuation on other topics as well?
I admit that it is very difficult for me to give a short, concise answer here, because there are already so many different forms of cooperation. A vibrant city depends on the interaction of urban society, culture and science! This allows development, change and design for the benefit and in the interest of all. This fruitful cooperation has already existed in the past and will of course continue in the future.
Is there anything else you would like to add from your perspective?
I am very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to making the topic visible and I would like to thank all the actors for their commitment, their time and their heart and soul. I hope that as many visitors as possible will honor this with a visit to the exhibition. I would like to cordially invite you to do so!