SLOW TRAVEL BERLIN
Nordwind Festival, various venues, until 8 December
The Nordwind Festival began in Berlin in 2006 with the purpose of promoting the art of Germany’s various neighbours to the North — first of countries in the Scandinavian region, and then of those in the Baltic. Under the umbrella of the Nordwind Platform, the festival is actually just one of six main components; the other five include an artist-in-residence programme, cultural education, creative industry exchange, artistic research and guest performances.
Held every other year, the Nordwind Festival is aimed at artists from the aforementioned areas who are living in Germany, the overall goal being to introduce them to the international stage. In the past, the countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden (also referred to as the core countries) have been featured. However, Estonia joined the mix a little while ago, and this year Lithuania is also included.
The three-week festival starts in November in Dresden and ends in December in Hamburg, with the Berlin segment sandwiched in between. The 12-day run in the Hauptstadt features dance and theater performances, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and lectures with a particular focus on the themes of isolation and aesthetics, along with a discussion of science, art, politics, culture, and society. Natalye Childress
Events, venues and admissions vary — check website for full programme.