Workshop „Interdisciplinary Transfer and Synergies“ 2026
4. - 9. Oktober 2026 | Europa-Universität Flensburg
The workshop week of the DFG Research Unit “Antigypsyism and Ambivalence in Europe (1850–1950)” is dedicated to academic exchange, the further development of research projects, and strengthening interdisciplinary synergies within the Research Unit. Through various working and discussion formats, current projects will be jointly reflected upon, methodological and conceptual questions discussed, and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge transfer between the subprojects explored.
The programme includes a doctoral colloquium using a co-commentary format, led by Prof. Dr. Klaus-Michael Bogdal, a peer-review exchange in preparation for the first edited volume, and a workshop on antigypsyism and its intersectional connections with antisemitism and (colonial) racism. A research exchange with external guests, discussions on the virtual research environment, and a workshop on science communication will complement the joint working sessions.
Two special events will also open the workshop week to additional perspectives and public exchange. On 7 October, Prof. Dr. Klaus-Michael Bogdal will present his book on the forgotten actress and painter Tela Tchaï at KUNST&CO e.V.; the book is scheduled for publication in 2027 (see below). On 8 October, Nataliia Tomenko will give insights into the documentation of testimonies from survivors of the genocide of Roma in Ukraine in her presentation “The ARCA Oral History Project”, based on the international oral history project.
Book Presentation by Klaus-Michael Bogdal
“Hi mangé leidȇmen pal mor mȇnnchȇnde” – I Long for My People.
The Forgotten Actress and Painter Tela Tchaï
7 October 2026, 6:00 p.m. | KUNST&CO e.V., Flensburg
In 2027, on the occasion of the Leipzig Book Fair, the new book by literary scholar Prof. Dr. Klaus-Michael Bogdal on the Sinti woman Tela Tchaï will be published by Neofelis Verlag.
The life and work of Tela Tchaï are remarkable: in the 1930s, she achieved success as an actress and later turned to painting. Her artistic biography, however, has largely fallen into oblivion. Bogdal set out to trace the life of this extraordinary woman, reconstructing her life and work within the context of the European history of persecution of Sinti and Roma.
At the book presentation, Klaus-Michael Bogdal (Bielefeld University) will be in conversation with film and literary scholar Dr. Radmila Mladenova (Critical Film and Image Hub, Heidelberg University) about his research, the surprising discovery of materials relating to Tela Tchaï’s life and artistic work, and the process of writing the book. The discussion will also address how forgotten biographies of artists from the minority can be made visible again and how they can find their place in art history and cultures of remembrance.
The event is organized by the DFG Research Unit “Antigypsyism and Ambivalence in Europe (1850–1950)” in cooperation with KUNST&CO e.V., the Critical Film and Image Hub (Research Centre on Antigypsyism), and the nationwide “Upre Kethane! – Sinti Roma Action Weeks.”
Die vergessene Schauspielerin und Malerin Tela Tchaï - Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF)