Participation, Call for Participation
Cologne Story Labs
You have a story? Share it at the Cologne Story Labs — in your own way!
Jama Nyeta e. V. has launched a project in cooperation with DOMiD.
Cologne Story Labs brings together people with and without a migration background. In a creative, multilingual space, they are invited to share aspects of their life stories, reflect on them, and write them down in conversation with a tandem partner.
Together, we want to develop new, diverse, and appreciative narratives about origin, identity, belonging, and life in Cologne. It’s not about perfect writing, but about personal stories, listening to one another, and the joy of creative expression.
In three workshops that build on one another, we’ll explore different storytelling methods:
Object-Oriented Storytelling: Personal items serve as starting points for sharing memories. Together, are going to discover how stories can be told authentically in this way.
Biographical Interviews & Listening: We learn how to ask thoughtful questions, to listen empathetically, and to document life stories in a respectful manner. In doing so, we draw on methods from oral history and biographical work.
Creative Writing: In a collaborative writing workshop, participants can create texts without the pressure to perform and without the expectation of perfection. Whether in German, multilingual, or in another language—what matters is finding your own voice.
The workshops create a safe space for exchange, reflection, and collaborative learning. People from diverse backgrounds work together, discover new perspectives, and develop their stories.
At the very end of the project, selected texts and contributions will be presented at a public event held at a cultural venue in Cologne. This way, the stories that have emerged find their way into Cologne’s urban community and spark new conversations about memory, migration, and living together.
Take Part
Throughout the project, you will learn various methods for discovering, sharing, and writing down personal stories. No prior knowledge is required—the focus is on curiosity, openness, and the joy of sharing.
- Participation is free of charge.
- There are 15 spots available.
- Registration deadline: July 31, 2026
- Project period: September 2026 through April 2027
Want to join us? Then reach out to Yann Pouget (Jama Nyeta) by 31.07.2026: pouget@jamanyeta.org
If you have any questions, feel free to call: +49 221 70994558
Program
#1 Workshop: "Letting Objects Tell Their Stories"
During a guided tour of the DOMiD collection, we will discover how objects can bring memories and stories to life. Afterward, we will be using curated objects as a starting point for creative storytelling.
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: DOMiD e. V.
Led by: Bebero Lehmann
#2 Workshop: "Oral History & Biographical Interviews"
How do stories emerge in conversations? In this workshop, we will learn methods of conducting biographical interviews and practice asking sensitive questions, listening empathetically, and respectfully guiding personal narratives.
Tentative date: Friday, September 26, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Jama Nyeta
Led by: Dr. Azziza B. Malanda
#3 Workshop: “Creative Writing in a Multilingial Context"
In an open writing workshop, we will experiment with language(s), memories, and creative writing prompts. Multilingualism is expressly welcome and will be used as a creative resource! We will work in a playful way, without any pressure.
Tentative date: Friday, October 9, 2026 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Jama Nyeta
Facilitators: Sandra Vacca and Yann Pouget
Deepening Phase
November – December 2026 ⠀
After the three workshops, you’ll continue working on your stories with a tandem partner. The project team will provide you with individualized support throughout this process. Two guided tandem meetings are planned.
Final Phase ⠀
January – March 2027
The tandems will continue working independently and finalize their texts with the support of the project team.
Open Storytelling Event
April 2027
To conclude the project, selected stories, as well as oral and written contributions, will be presented at a public event held at a cultural venue in Cologne. The resulting narratives will thus be shared with a broad audience and spark new conversations about memory, diversity, belonging, and living together in Cologne.