A Digital Museum for the 27th Swiss Canton 🇨đź‡
Capturing the Essence of Swiss Culture Beyond its Borders
When one thinks of Switzerland, immediate imagery might include majestic mountains, serene lakes, delectable chocolates, and precision timepieces. Yet, another facet of Swiss culture, often overlooked but just as enriching, has developed well beyond the nation’s borders.
🌍 The Swiss Diaspora: A Culture in Motion
With over 800,000 Swiss living abroad, we witness a captivating phenomenon. These expatriates, by establishing themselves across various global regions, have carried a piece of their homeland with them. By interacting with diverse cultures, they’ve created something uniquely enchanting — a blend of their Swiss heritage and the local influences. This “Swiss culture” abroad is living proof that our national identity is fluid, ever-evolving, and not confined to territorial boundaries.
🎥 Spreading the Word: The Congress of the Swiss Abroad
I recently had the privilege to share these thoughts during my intervention at the Congress of the Swiss Abroad. It was an honor to discuss such an integral aspect of our national identity and its manifestation around the globe. For those interested, you can watch the full video of my presentation here.
đź–Ľ Preservation and Celebration
The richness of Swiss culture abroad deserves to be preserved, documented, and celebrated. Imagine a space — a digital cantonal museum dedicated to the 27th canton — a virtual canton where this overseas Swiss culture is showcased. Each artifact, every story, and each anecdote would be a cherished piece of this museum, contributing to a broader picture of what it means to be Swiss in the modern age.
✨ Vibrant Testimonies
Expressions of Swiss culture abroad are varied and striking. From award-winning Swiss embassies in Mexico, Seoul, and Chicago, to the Edelweiss Village in Canada, a living testament to Swiss immigration, the scope is vast. Another touching example is the descendant of a Swiss mountain guide in Canada who discovered artifacts that once belonged to her great-grandfather. These treasures weave tales of emigration, adaptation, and integration.
🔧 Toward a Digital Museum
Recognizing the value of this endeavor, HES-SO Valais Wallis is already working on a prototype for such a digital museum. This platform would enable Swiss from around the globe to contribute by documenting cultural artifacts right from their phones.
đź“° In the News: Swissinfo Feature
The vision of a digital repository for Swiss culture abroad has garnered media attention. Swissinfo recently published an article discussing the proposal, shedding light on its importance and potential impact. You can read the full Swissinfo article here.
🤝 Join Us in this Quest
Swiss culture abroad is a treasure waiting to be unearthed. If you have anecdotes, artifacts, or tales to share, participate in this effort to conserve our rich cultural heritage. Together, we can craft a space where Swiss culture is celebrated in all its diversity.
Johann Roduit serves as the Delegate of the Council of the Swiss Abroad in Canada and is a Partner at Conexkt SĂ rl | Design & Innovation Studio.
