In recent years, the active role played by the "neutral nation without colonies" in the colonization of the Global South has been increasingly in the spotlight in Switzerland. In particular, the country’s direct joint responsibility through private initiatives and businesses as well as participation in the cultural production of colonial images came to attention. Yet another important question that needs to be explored is the influence of colonial knowledge and wealth on Switzerland and especially major Swiss cities like Basel. CULTURESCAPES along with the Basel Kolonial network came up with a two-part tour uncovering traces of the city's role in past and current colonial practices involving, but not limited to, Amazonia. Part one traces the evidence of the cultural and economic histories of old Basel families and missionary societies in the old town of Grossbasel. The second part predominantly offers an insight into both the past and present of Basel-based chemical and pharmaceutical industries, their sites in the north of the city, and their role in global economic systems. In German. An audio recording of the city tours can be found in the CULTURESCAPES Digital Space.
Credits
Sponsored by: Basel Kolonial
Cooperaxion, Multiwatch, Verein Eine Stadt für Alle, Zeitschrift Widerspruch
Media partners: Widerspruch