Moving Fireplaces is a project exploring the phenomenon of migration as a reality of the past and present of Banat and Europe, implemented by the Prin Banat Association.
The fireplace symbolises a house’s comfort, security, and warmth. However, phenomena from the past and present of Banat, such as forced relocation, political conflicts, and unemployment, move homes. Xenophobia and intolerance are becoming increasingly common in Europe.One way to combat these issues is by sharing the stories of those affected by migration. This can help raise awareness and understanding of this important issue, which affects society.
Moving Fireplaces opposes current stereotypes by exposing them in contemporary stories and creations, intending to highlight the benefits of diversity and interculturality. Through the project, true, forgotten, or undocumented stories of past tragedies in the region are identified, such as survivors of deportations to Bărăgan, those who fled communist regimes and the Yugoslav war, in analogy with current movements of refugees or economic migrants, which are subsequently translated into various forms of art and presented to the general public.
In 2023, the project includes theatre performances, documentary film screenings, the launch of an audiobook, naive art exhibitions, and 10 artistic residencies, the results of which will be presented at the Moving Fireplaces Festival, which will take place in Timișoara and other locations in historical Banat between September and October 2023.