#BigDreams
#BigDreams is a collective that has been dealing with the case of Brian (see info box) for one-and-a-half years, having been established specifically for this purpose. Brian is himself a member of #BigDreams and the formats were developed and, as far as possible, have been implemented together with him.
#BigDreams is also the name of the joint art project on human rights, media criticism and structural racism. The project hovers at the interface between art, politics and activism. Using co-creative, artistic means, the collective attempts to present a new perspective on Brian’s case, as an impartial viewpoint has been missing from the relentless controversy surrounding the case until now. Brian also has his say. The collective hopes to spark socially relevant discussions with him, as well as about him and his case.
#BigDreams is also supported by experts from a range of sectors, such as media, psychology, journalism, law, art and culture, the social sciences and intersectional research. Some are active contributors, while others are guests, but all lead discussions, shed an artistic light on related topics or provide advice to the collective.
Brian
Brian is Switzerland’s best-known prisoner. There is no newspaper or TV program in Switzerland that has not reported on the «Carlos» case. In November 2019, Brian announced publicly that he is not called «Carlos» , but «Brian» . This statement led to the creation of the #BigDreams project. In a letter, the initiators put forward to Brian the proposal of using artistic means to move closer to the goal of making Brian out of «Carlos» again. Brian agreed, and since then has been in close contact with the initiators, playing an active role in the artistic process despite being in solitary confinement.
#BigDreams is opening a new chapter in media theatre about Brian’s case. This time, the script does not follow the concepts of the tabloid press but adapts them to suit its needs. How can and must a democratic society respond? The #BigDreams project delves into this question using the tool of art in five acts.
People involved
Daniel Riniker, Sabina Aeschlimann, tobibienz, Benjamin Burger, Brian Keller, Daniela Guse, Eva Willenegger, Mariana Grünig, Victoria Papagni, Bite Toys, Gonzalo Silva, Hannah Gottschalk, Michael Meili, Yuvviki Dioh, Rahel El-Maawi, Mbene Mwambene, Edwin Ramirez, Fatima Moumouni, Jacqueline Daunois, Sebastian Aeschlimann, Anouk Haueter, David Mühlemann, Rahel El-Maawi, Jolanda Spiess-Hegglin, Dr. Brigitte Hürlimann, Dimitri Rougy, Brandy Butler, Thomas Galli, Joshua Amissah, Lelah Neary, Elmira Oberholzer, Julie Fischer, Fritzi König, Jamin Eberhard, Paula Ursprung, Mohamed Wa Baile, Claudia Wilopo, Reto Volkart, Wilson Adebayo, Giulia Cudini, Theater Neumarkt: Dramaturgie, Kommunikation, Werkstätten & Ensemble, Helmhaus Zürich, humanrights.ch, Kunstraum Walcheturm
More information
Image: © #BigDreams