‘We have something to contribute!’

What does success mean for cultural practitioners who have immigrated to Switzerland? This question was at the heart of the Here ! Am annual networking meeting, which brought together migrant artists from across Switzerland in Bern. Writer Max Lobe (Geneva/Cameroon), musician Dandara Modesto (Zurich/Brazil), and visual artist Aviv Szabs (Bern/Israel) spoke in clear and inspiring terms about their understanding of success and the challenges they face in Switzerland.

‘It’s not about my idea of success. It’s about all of us. We are creating something here [in Switzerland], we are finding new paths, and there is space for that.’ Dandara Modesto put into words what many in the room were feeling. 

The meeting clearly demonstrated how important it is for immigrated artists to connect with one another—not only for professional reasons, but also to share experiences and encourage one another. Because: ‘We have something to give, and we want to contribute.’