Globalization and migration are intricately linked in the current international economy and multicultural world. Goods, services, information and capital interchange across borders more freely than ever before. And individuals--pursuing jobs, education, and other opportunities--are relocating, often across borders. In the process, they are extending families and spreading traditions.
Tradition and culture hung from coat hangers and sizzled from a colorful array of dishware at the House of Sweden in Washington, DC on February 18th. The occasion for such splendid exhibitions was the grand opening of the Swedish Embassy's year-long public diplomacy program, themed Globalization and Migration. Sweden has been an active member of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, established in 2007, and will serve as acting chairman from 2013 until 2014.
The Grand Opening festivities commenced with a greeting from Sweden’s Minister for Culture, Ms. Lena Adelsohn Liljerot: “Sweden has experience with migration in both directions. Between 1890 and 1920, 1.3 million Swedes immigrated to North America. Swedish landing in 1638 and the great transatlantic partnership between Sweden and the U.S. are among events to be celebrated throughout 2013 as a part of our Globalization theme.”
Various exhibitions were presented to portray the rich cultural background cherished by Swedes. The first showcase, titled “Dressing Swedish: From Hazelius to Salander,” presented clothing styles ranging from historical ritual wear to modern fashion explorations. The focus of this exhibition on Swedish-American culture explored how cultural heritage is created and recreated through dressing.
After passing massive tables lined with exquisite Swedish cuisine, the guests were introduced to the next exhibition, “The Enduring Designs of Josef Frank.” The room was full of an array of beautiful furniture that captured both traditional and modern woodworking. This display features some of Frank’s textile design which bore clear influence from his many migrations.
Do stones have memories? According to Swedish tradition, they most certainly do. In the “Memories of Stone” display, photographs of moss-covered stone walls are hung as a testament to an era of profound change in Swedish history, while the sounds of wildlife gently echoed. This exhibition of the majesty of nature in Sweden magnificently represented the power of photography.
Last was an exhibition dedicated to wonders of sound. “The Third Room” is a radio theater sound walk that welcomes children into a dream world, where time is fluid and the laws of gravity are suspended. Through headphones, children are instructed to find things in the room, imagine the possibilities of flight, and ponder dreams that are yet to be discovered.
The grand opening of the Swedish Embassy's Globalization and Migration was a marvelous representation of the spread of cultures across borders. The beautiful exhibitions along with the various tastes of Sweden diminished the physical distance between the U.S. and the homeland, while encouraging appreciation for tradition in an age of globalization. These displays, among other daily events, will be open to the public until the end of May. What will you find at the House of Sweden?
Photo of "Memories of Stone" by Dakota Fine, copyright Dakota Fine Photography.
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Globalization and Migration Grand Opening: Sweden’s Year-Long Public Diplomacy Program
February 25, 2013
Globalization and migration are intricately linked in the current international economy and multicultural world. Goods, services, information and capital interchange across borders more freely than ever before. And individuals--pursuing jobs, education, and other opportunities--are relocating, often across borders. In the process, they are extending families and spreading traditions.
Tradition and culture hung from coat hangers and sizzled from a colorful array of dishware at the House of Sweden in Washington, DC on February 18th. The occasion for such splendid exhibitions was the grand opening of the Swedish Embassy's year-long public diplomacy program, themed Globalization and Migration. Sweden has been an active member of the Global Forum on Migration and Development, established in 2007, and will serve as acting chairman from 2013 until 2014.
The Grand Opening festivities commenced with a greeting from Sweden’s Minister for Culture, Ms. Lena Adelsohn Liljerot: “Sweden has experience with migration in both directions. Between 1890 and 1920, 1.3 million Swedes immigrated to North America. Swedish landing in 1638 and the great transatlantic partnership between Sweden and the U.S. are among events to be celebrated throughout 2013 as a part of our Globalization theme.”
Various exhibitions were presented to portray the rich cultural background cherished by Swedes. The first showcase, titled “Dressing Swedish: From Hazelius to Salander,” presented clothing styles ranging from historical ritual wear to modern fashion explorations. The focus of this exhibition on Swedish-American culture explored how cultural heritage is created and recreated through dressing.
After passing massive tables lined with exquisite Swedish cuisine, the guests were introduced to the next exhibition, “The Enduring Designs of Josef Frank.” The room was full of an array of beautiful furniture that captured both traditional and modern woodworking. This display features some of Frank’s textile design which bore clear influence from his many migrations.
Do stones have memories? According to Swedish tradition, they most certainly do. In the “Memories of Stone” display, photographs of moss-covered stone walls are hung as a testament to an era of profound change in Swedish history, while the sounds of wildlife gently echoed. This exhibition of the majesty of nature in Sweden magnificently represented the power of photography.
Last was an exhibition dedicated to wonders of sound. “The Third Room” is a radio theater sound walk that welcomes children into a dream world, where time is fluid and the laws of gravity are suspended. Through headphones, children are instructed to find things in the room, imagine the possibilities of flight, and ponder dreams that are yet to be discovered.
The grand opening of the Swedish Embassy's Globalization and Migration was a marvelous representation of the spread of cultures across borders. The beautiful exhibitions along with the various tastes of Sweden diminished the physical distance between the U.S. and the homeland, while encouraging appreciation for tradition in an age of globalization. These displays, among other daily events, will be open to the public until the end of May. What will you find at the House of Sweden?
Photo of "Memories of Stone" by Dakota Fine, copyright Dakota Fine Photography.
