Work plays a central role in human existence. At the opening of the exhibition "Visions of Equality. African Realities of Work" we present a combination of academic and creative approaches to uncover a broad spectrum of forms and realities of work in Africa and the African diaspora, many of which have been shaped by the pursuit of equality.
Over a period of a century from World War I to the present, and with a view to African initiatives, we discuss struggles to access and shape labour regimes, the fight against injustice and discrimination, and efforts to build a better world across borders and social boundaries. The exhibition and kick-off event are organized by students and lecturers of a transdisciplinary course on work and labour activism.

Schedule:
16.00 Opening
16.15 Introduction: Visions of Equality. African Realities of Work (Eric Burton)

16.30 Section I: Yesterday's visions of equality and their relevance today
Tobias Schweiger: "Comintern Universalism. African Labour Activists and the Communist International"
Immanuel Harisch [presented by Eric Burton]: "Intellectuals at Work: Work, Organized Labour and the African Educated Class"
Eric Burton: "A Workers‘ Paradise? South African Workers, Apartheid Propaganda and Anti- Apartheid Activism". In conversation with Univ. Prof. Walter Sauer about trade unions and Austrian anti-Apartheid activism in the 1980s

Discussion with the audience

17.45 Coffee break

18.15 Section II: Working across borders
Anna-Maria Planitzer & Isabella Tonn [with support of the artist P. M. T.]: "Integration of Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in the Labor Market in the Unique Case of Uganda"
Markus Platter: "With uniforms on, you won't look like monkeys anymore. Kenyan labour in Chinese-employed infrastructure projects"
Laura Nørlem: "Street traders and the conflict in the Nairobi Central Business District"
Film screening (world premiere): Short-film documentary "Doing the Work of the State"; followed by discussion with director Katharina Zlattinger, main protagonist Mamadou Ndiaye and audience

19.45 Food and drinks reception