Published on 02.05.2016 under News
Benefit concert in Oelde: matrix is committed to refugees and cultural exchange
Encounters at eye level are the first steps towards integrating refugees. That is why the matrix team helped organize a benefit concert for refugees at its second location in Oelde, Westphalia, and thus stimulate cultural exchange between residents and newcomers.
Live together and learn from one another
"Where language barriers and cultural differences meet, an open music festival with a great supporting program is an ideal platform for making contact," says matrix partner Guido Lohnherr, who, as a native of Oelder, is actively involved in refugee work on site, for example as the sponsor of five unaccompanied people Youth from Syria. Managing director Gregor Frankenstein-von der Beeck and his event team contributed his know-how in the implementation of socio-political projects. For years, for example, the team has been supporting the State Center for Political Education at relevant events and is therefore very familiar with the sensitivity of such intercultural events.
The audience was enthusiastic about the mixture of Syrian music and well-known German live bands with their soul and rock'n'roll. In many conversations, the visitors lively exchanged views on their commitment and their experiences during the escape and here in Germany. Student Leon summed it up: "It is encounters like this that make you want to live."
