Participants in other projects from Das Fundbuero often asked if their contributions would travel, especially to the US, for exhibition. 1000 Little Things presents materials collected over 6 years of participatory projects combined with new artwork to both document activities and explore wider connections. The GDR experience becomes a lens to interpret the themes of identity and historiography: how do we construct our identity in relationship to society, state and other institutions? What happens when those institutions change or dissolve? Can nostalgia have a critical function?

Objects from the GDR are presented alongside corresponding “Western” objects. The library includes publications both from and about the GDR, artifacts from past Fundbuero projects and research and planning notes. The breadth of material seeks to reach audiences with varying levels of expertise.

Study carrels for listening to interviews, reading “dossier” from participants and examining objects up close, provide an opportunity for deeper immersion. Additional programming, such as films and talks, creates additional context and space for discussion.

Monica Sheets is a fiscal year 2015 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.