The broader purpose and ambition of the project is to defend the shrinking space of civil society, which have been observed in Slovakia (and beyond) in the recent years. The project also promotes and reinforces human and civil rights, freedom of speech and artistic expression or democratic values. In the Post Bellum SK it is believed, that only people who are aware of the history of their country and society, will be able to cope in an effective way with the “heritage” of totalitarian regimes and future challenges for society in the European Union. The project addresses and challenges negative phenomena such as growing support of extreme far-right movement, anti-Semitism, xenophobia etc. It consists of combination of cultural and educational activities (recording testimonies of witnesses, multi-genre exhibition and educational activities) conducted in Slovakia and in Norway during the project period. The project also focuses on development of skills, capacity and know-how sharing between Post Bellum SK and our Norwegian partner - The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies.
Summary of bilateral results
The History Defines Our Future project greatly benefited from its collaboration with the Norwegian Centre for Holocaust and Minority Studies (NCHMS), which enhanced the project's reach and impact through cross-border cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The NCHMS contributed expertise in Holocaust education, memory studies, and minority issues, enriching the project’s educational components. Norwegian experts provided valuable insights into teaching methodologies and best practices, emphasizing ways to engage younger generations. This collaboration also led to the development of innovative training materials and programs, including the "Sources and Individuals" educational initiative, offering fresh perspectives on Holocaust pedagogy and history.
The partnership fostered cultural and educational exchanges between Slovak and Norwegian professionals, academics, and students. Joint workshops and discussions created a platform for dialogue on the role of memory and education in addressing challenges like antisemitism and hate speech. These exchanges deepened mutual understanding of each country’s historical experiences, enriching academic discussions and raising awareness of the Holocaust and totalitarian regimes.
Key outcomes included joint films, exhibitions, and documentaries, with Slovak and Norwegian teams documenting Holocaust survivors' testimonies. This collaboration broadened the project’s scope and provided diverse historical perspectives. Notably, the NCHMS co-organized events such as the screening of Our Space in Time: Jewish Short Films from V4 Countries in Sereď, which brought international professionals together to discuss the Holocaust and its portrayal in film and media.
This bilateral collaboration strengthened the project by integrating diverse expertise, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and creating impactful educational and cultural outputs that address historical and contemporary issues.
Project details
Project info
Project grant
Grant financing
244349.00€
Final project cost
265898.25€