COMPASS

General information

Transformation concept

COMPASS – Contested Memories: Plural remembrance as a catalyst for social change and democracy
Plural cultures of remembrance as a compass for democratic transformation

The project views the current crisis of democracy primarily as a crisis of memory. It posits that entrenched historical interpretative frameworks and exclusive cultures of remembrance hinder the democratic management of social plurality. By bringing marginalised memories to the fore, new spaces for negotiation, participation and the democratic shaping of the future are created.

Addressing the crisis of democracy thus also contributes to sustainable development. This is because overcoming complex societal challenges requires democratic processes that guarantee freedom and equality and enable a productive approach to conflict resolution. Plural cultures of remembrance can strengthen such processes by giving voice to diverse experiences and perspectives, thereby fostering the social conditions necessary for sustainable transformation.

The central research question is therefore: How can heterogeneous cultures of remembrance be utilised productively not only to preserve democratic structures, but also to sustainably expand and deepen them from the periphery? And how can they thereby contribute to a productive self-correction of exclusion and invisibilisation within democratic contexts?

 

Aim and Vision

COMPASS promotes plural cultures of remembrance as a resource for democratic resilience. By giving visibility to marginalised voices and creating spaces for different lived realities to meet, the project strengthens social cohesion and democratic negotiation processes. In addition, recommendations for action are being developed for local authorities, cultural and educational institutions, as well as innovative transfer formats for academia and practice.