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Newsletter June 2024

Goethe-Institut Myanmar



Deutsch | English | မြန်မာ

 Ein Vortrag über Mobula-Rochen in Myanmar und deren zunehmende Bedrohung

©Myanmar Ocean Project

A talk on mobula rays of Myanmar and their increasing threats

We are excited to welcome you back with interesting programs from the Go Green Goethe project. This time, we would like to introduce an interesting event to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable ecosystems within the community. In collaboration with our partner organization, the Myanmar Ocean Project, Goethe-Institut Myanmar/Go Green Goethe has organized a talk and launched the comic book about the Mobula rays of Myanmar and their increasing threats. This event will take place on June 22 at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar auditorium.

The talk will be about manta ray research in Myanmar, the need for more research and protection for all five mobula ray species in the country the increasing threats and how Myanmar is playing a role in their decline. Additionally, there will be other engaging activities, so stay tuned to the Goethe-Institut Myanmar's social media channels for detailed event information.

Culture

Recalling Kafka

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Recalling Kafka : A week-long cultural programme on the occasion of 100 years of Franz Kafka’s death

We are pleased to announce "Recalling Kafka", a week-long cultural programme commemorating Franz Kafka's 100 years of his death. Organized by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar with the generous support of the German Embassy in Yangon and in collaboration with the Czech Embassy. We extend our invitation to join us for a series of unique events honoring one of literature's most enigmatic and influential figures.
 
Program Highlights:
28th June 2024 to 6th July 2024 at 10 am to 5 pm:
"Komplett Kafka" poster exhibition illustrated by Nicolas Mahler(Goethe-Institut's Auditorium)

28th June 2024 to 6th July 2024 at 9:30 am to 5 pm:
"Franz Kafka: A Man of His and Our Time" exhibition by the Czech Embassy(Goethe-Institut's Library)

29th June 2024 (doors open at 2 pm, starts at 2:30 pm):
Hybrid lecture and presentation by Nicolas Mahler introducing the "Komplett Kafka" exhibition(Goethe-Institut's Auditorium)

3rd July 2024 at 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm:
Labyrinths in His Eyes: Remembering Franz Kafka by Maung Day and local literary scholars(Goethe-Institut's Library)

6th July 2024 at 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm:
The Metamorphosis in Myanmar: Collaborative experimental performance event by Htein Lin, Phyu Mon, and a group of talented artists(Goethe-Institut's Auditorium)

More detailed information is coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media channels.
Komplett Kafka

©Nicolas Mahler

Komplett Kafka: A poster exhibition & artist talk by Nicolas Mahler

We would like to announce a unique event for 100 years of Franz Kafka’s death in 2024. In collaboration with Literaturhaus Stuttgart and with the generous support of the German Embassy, we organized the "Komplett Kafka" poster exhibition.

Inspired by Nicolas Mahler's comic biography, this exhibition combines Mahler's unique artistic style with the innovative concept of Literaturhaus Stuttgart. Franz Kafka, renowned for his profound prose, was also a passionate artist. His drawings provide a fascinating glimpse into his creative mind.

Nicolas Mahler, known for his minimalist and witty style, captures Kafka's essence in his comic biography. Visitors will experience Kafka’s journey and literary achievements in a new light.

Join us for an artist talk and presentation by Nicolas Mahler on June 29th, 2024 as well, where he will discuss the exhibition and Kafka's influence on contemporary art.
 
Exhibition Date:                                  28th June 2024 to 6th July 2024(10 am to 5 pm)
Artist Talk by Nicolas Mahler:             29th June 2024(doors open at 2 pm, starts at 2:30 pm)
Location:                                            Goethe-Institut Myanmar ( Auditourim )
Admission:                                         Free

More detailed information is coming soon. Stay tuned to our social media channels.
Pride Reels: LGBTQIA+ Film Event

©yfs:Yangon Film School

Pride Reels: LGBTQIA+ Film Event

Goethe-Institut Myanmar welcomes Pride Month in June. Aiming for a fair and just society without discrimination, Goethe-Institut Myanmar is collaborating with partner organizations and the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, in partnership with Yangon Film School, we will host a film screening event and other interesting programs that represent the LGBTQIA+ community. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 14, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar Auditorium. Save the date and everyone is invited to attend and show solidarity.
Academy of Care

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Academy of Care

Academy of Care train-the-trainer Cohort 2 started on May 13th at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar. This capacity-building program, led by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar and funded by the Netherlands Embassy. Our collaboration with LaSalle College of the Arts, the University of the Arts Singapore enriches the program structure of our art therapy component and ensures that participants gain access to advanced techniques and insights essential for their professional development.

Our participants are currently engaged in intensive training with local professional trainers. The topics covered so far include:
  • Mental health and psychosocial support
  • Principles of communication
  • Assessment and management
  • Stress, anxiety, and depression.
  • Basic counseling and ethics
  • Women and mental health
  • Six principles of trauma-informed care and more.
In June, participants will expand their skills by learning art, music, and drama therapy. These sessions will be led by international therapists and trainers and conducted via a hybrid model of Zoom and in-person training at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar.
A Panel Discussion

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

A Panel Discussion

Thank you to everyone who joined our panel discussion on Archives & Collections at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar Auditorium! 

Our panelists, Phyu Ei Thein, Phillip De Burma, and Lukas Birk, were guided by our host, Rita Khin, through very different stories and ideas. The conversation ranged from how to start an archive and what an archive is for and provided insights into questions such as what constitutes an archive and what comprises a collection. We also appreciate the great questions raised by the audience. The Goethe-Institut Auditorium was a wonderful place to share this evening filled with conversations.

It was supposed to be an hour, but the questions and conversations kept flowing, and we didn't want to stop! The turnout was amazing, and we loved hearing your thoughtful questions. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable evening.

If you missed it, don't worry! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on future events and other exciting news. If you have any specific interests or questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

Visit our website: www.myanmarphotoarchive.org.
Online Archive Library: www.myanmarphotoarchive.org/archive-search/
Instagram: @myanmarphotoarchive
Email: office@myanmarphotoarchive.org
Talking Types | June

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Talking Types | June

Fonts and letters permeate our daily lives, appearing on digital screens and within the pages of the books we enjoy. They are essential for conveying information effectively. In visual communication, selecting the right font ensures that the message is delivered smoothly while capturing the writer's intended tone, often without the reader even noticing the artistry behind it.

Type designers are dedicated to crafting fonts that are not just visually appealing but also easy to read and understand. By carefully adjusting factors like letter spacing, line height, and stroke width, they enhance the readability and legibility of text, making it effortlessly comprehensible to the intended audience.

While English fonts have long benefited from well-established design techniques, there is a growing emphasis on enhancing Burmese font design. Designers in this field are actively developing techniques and systems tailored to the unique characteristics of the Burmese script.
 
The Goethe-Institut Myanmar is honored to host Talking Types, a monthly gathering where designers come together to discuss their craft. We deeply appreciate the interest shown by everyone in this event. However, please be aware that our venue has limited capacity, and we may not be able to accommodate everyone.

During the May Talking Types meetup, eight designers engaged in a fascinating discussion on designing fonts that harmonize with English and Burmese scripts. In the upcoming June event, scheduled for the second Saturday, participants will delve deeper into the practical aspects of this discussion. Specifically, they will explore drawing matching Burmese characters inspired by a typeface created by Flo (Studio Grotesk Works).

Next Talking Types meet up
Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Goethe-Institut Myanmar
Think Afternoon

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Think Afternoon

'Think Afternoon' was a collaborative event organized on April 27th by the Goethe-Institut Myanmar/Myanmar Photo Archive (MPA), the Myanmar Culture Society, and Ahnanda Artspace. A total of sixteen individuals attended this half-day event, which featured notable people from their respective professions, including collectors, curators, publishers, artists, writers, and art directors.

Two representatives from MPA, including its founder, Lukas Birk, were present at the event. The discussions centered around several key topics:
  • The collection and preservation of archival materials.
  • The publication of archival images.
  • Copyright issues related to archival materials.
  • Strategies to address gaps in the vernacular visual history.

The conversation at the event was highly effective, thanks to the active discussions, valuable suggestions, and constructive critiques from all attendees. We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who dedicated their time to participate in this event.

Language

German Language Courses

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

June

German Language Courses

Start learning the German language systematically at the Goethe-Institut Myanmar! Our German language courses are based on the six levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Our courses are thereby internationally recognized and comparable. Goethe-Institut Myanmar is offering online, in-person and hybrid German language courses in June. Registration is open from 29.05.2024 to 07.06.2024. For any inquiries, please get in touch with us via info.language.mmr@goethe.de.
Goethe-Zertifikat Exams

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

June

Goethe-Zertifikat Exams

Do you need documented proof of your German language skills that are recognized all over the world? 

The Goethe-Institut certificates are accepted worldwide as verification of your language capabilities. Goethe-Institut Myanmar is offering Goethe-Zertifikat exams in June! Registration is open from 12.06.2024 to 21.06.2024. Please check our schedule and register via info.language.mmr@goethe.de!

Library

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAM

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAM

“Traditional Paper Mache Creatures: Fun Painting Activity for Kids”

Welcome to the Children & Youth Program at the Library!  We are happy to announce our upcoming Traditional Paper Mache Creatures: Painting Activity specially for Kids aged 6 to 11 years old.

Get ready for a creative adventure that combines creativity and fun! An expert teacher from the Banner Nature Based Homeschool and Educational Training Centre will guide your children, and together, we will embark on a fantastic painting activity.

Admission is free. Due to the limited number of places, if you want to register, please enroll via 01 9376160 (ext. 301/302) during the library’s opening hours or biblio-yangon@goethe.de by providing your Name,  Age, Contact number and Email address.

We can't wait to see your young artists at our activity.
Transformed Words for Transformed Hearts Workshop (2. Teil)

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Transformed Words for Transformed Hearts Workshop (Part 2)

Get ready to unlock your creativity at our upcoming event: the Transformed Words for Transformed Hearts Workshop (Part 2)!

As the second program of the " Transformed Words for Transformed Hearts Workshop (Part 2), we're excited to announce a prose writing workshop taking place in June. Prose writing delves into life experiences—childhood, youth, work life, parenthood, daily encounters—and the lasting memories that shape them. Our focus is on improving writing skills through practice and the analysis of fiction and non-fiction prose. We'll explore international and local prose, engaging in discussions and exercises tailored to various skill levels to empower participants to craft their narratives.

The esteemed poet Ko Maung Day, renowned for his prose works like "Child Guest and Other Short Stories" and "Throwing Stones into the Darkness," will lead this workshop. This workshop promises invaluable insights for aspiring prose writers, making it a must-attend event.

To secure your spot in this June workshop, advance registration is mandatory. Selected participants will gain complimentary access to all workshop sessions. Stay tuned for the full workshop details, coming your way soon!
“READING CLUB” Program

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

“READING CLUB” Program

This month's “Reading Club” program is tailored for A1 level participants. In this program, both those who are learning German and those who have already mastered the language are welcome to participate. Through this program, you can not only enhance your reading skills and expand your vocabulary, but it will also contribute to the improvement of your thinking skills. 

If you are interested in participating, please register by sending an email to biblio-yangon@goethe.de
 
“LEARNING ADVISORY” Program

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Empowering Your Learning Journey:

“LEARNING ADVISORY” Program

In the “Learning Advisory” Program, you will be assisted with any challenges you may encounter in your German studies. These issues will be addressed, and recommendations will be provided by a teacher of Goethe-Institut Myanmar. In this month's "Lernberatung" program, we will delve into essential books, online resources, and tailored recommendations suitable for A2 level german language learners. 

A virtual online session has also been arranged so that those who cannot visit the library in person can participate and ask questions. 

Enroll now and participate in our free Learning Advisory Program for your German learning needs: biblio-yangon@goethe.de
Board Game Friday (Monopoly)

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

“BOARD GAME FRIDAY!”

Looking for a delightful way to spend your Friday? Look no further than the monthly program at our library - Board Game Friday! This time around, we're diving into the timeless classic, Monopoly!

But Board Game Friday is more than just rolling the dice and moving around the board; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the joys of gaming while also honing your language skills. You'll have the chance to learn German phrases and vocabulary, making it a truly enriching experience.

Anyone who is interested should register in advance via mail biblio-yangon@goethe.de or 01 9376160 (ext. 301/302) during the library’s opening hours. So, gather your friends and join us for a memorable day of fun and learning. See you there!
library-opening-hour

©Goethe-Institut Myanmar

Library Weekend Reopening Alert!

Starting from June, we're delighted to announce the return of weekend operations at our beloved library! Now, you can dive into your favorite books and explore new worlds on following library opening days:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
9:30 AM to 5 PM (Thursday and public holidays, our library is closed)

Our library is much more than just a reading room! It is an attractive study and meeting place, providing a variety of media services and programs. You can study, keep up to date with the latest events, play (board) games or PS4 in a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. 

To ensure everyone can enjoy our collection, we're introducing the following membership fees:
Local Residents: 30,000 MMK
Foreign Visitors: 60,000 MMK
Enrolled Goethe-Institut Course Participants are entitled to free library membership. Please bring an ID card, Passport or valid Student Card for Registration. Come to the library and get our digital library card BibToGo now. The library team will also be happy to inform you during a personal visit.

Contact

Goethe-Institut Myanmar
Kabar Aye Pagoda Road, corner of Nat Mauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
Tel. +95 1 9376160
info-yangon@goethe.de