27 Aug 2009

Guantanamo Allocation Center in HafenCity Hamburg

The ‚existential function' of the act of creation leads to the affirmation and the creation of a territory, a group, a singularity, a meaning. But it is only possible to articulate the meaning of a situation in relation to an action undertaken to transform it. To situate oneself somewhere, to create a territory or new modes of subjectification and articulation, is both a political and an existential question. And this concerns social practices as much as artistic practices.
(Maurizio Lazzarato: Art and Work)


Being one of the first municipalities throughout Europe, the state and city administration of Hamburg, Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg, has accredited the public private partnership ‚Guantanamo Allocation Center'.

The Guantanamo Allocation Center is an initiative dedicated to the question of relocating the remaining detainees still in custody at the soon to be closed US Military Base. GAC focuses on the global process of allocation and relocation, and aims to provide accommodations in Germany that offer a process of re-socialization by providing and furnishing a temporary, and eventual, final home.

The project was kicked off by the German artist Christoph Faulhaber and has already teamed up with further both private and public institutions and corporations. With its first installment GAC sets out to laying the foundation for final decisions in the global process of relocating the remaining inmates.

The first installment, considered as temporary accommodation, consists of mobile units each giving room to one inmate. Four wooden crates match one 40 ft. high cube shipping container. The temporary lodging will be accompanied by a program of activities encompassing various aspects, topics and personalities from within the legislation and political process.

In order to realize the final installment, GAC has opted for a vacant lot, part of which was formerly the Mauerstreifen, the military zone within the Berlin Wall. The design of the yet undeveloped ‚final home' is oriented towards contemporary designs in architecture and urban planning, taking into account the special needs of the inhabitants.

Furthermore, GAC engages on consultations with international decision makers to preparing ground for the resettling of further inmates.

Since GAC relies entirely on civic and individual engagement, we would very much acknowledge support and funding from any direction.


For more information please consult:

Guantanamo Allocation Center
Mr. Christoph Faulhaber
www.gac-web.org

Freie und Hansestadt Hamburg
Senator Ms. Karin von Welck
www.hamburg.de

HafenCity Hamburg GmbH
Ms. Penzlien
www.hafencity.com

Special Envoy to Closing Guantanamo
Ambassador Mr. Daniel Fried
www.state.gov

artfinder
Gallery Mathias Güntner
www.artfinder.de