Photo essays on the Nordic welfare state accompanied by an informative exhibition.

The five Nordic countries are considered to be models of successful democracy and welfare. And indeed, they are among the most prosperous countries in the world. They are open, export-oriented and have highly productive economies with a relatively strong public sector. But is this model sustainable?

Critics warn that in an increasingly global economic competition, tax-financed welfare can no longer be provided in its existing form. Advocates, however, are convinced that the foundations of Nordic welfare - the possible education for all children, narrow income gaps, active paticipation in the labour market, integration and equality - are also the key to success in the future.

Against the background of this discussion five young photo journalists  from the Nordic countries take a fresh look at democracy and welfare viewed from today's perspektive. In their impressive photo essays Tariq Mikkel Khan (Denmark), Raisa Kyllikki Karjalainen (Finland), Völundur Jónsson (Iceland), Luca Kleve-Ruud (Norway) and Linda Forsell (Sweden) provide a glimpse into the Nordic welfare state and its challenges.

The Nordic Model, an informative exhibition on social innovations in the Nordic countries, accompanies the photo series. On 6 September 2010 a specialist seminar will be held in the Pan-Nordic Building on the Nordic model with eyperts from the Nordic countries and Germany.

The exhibition is a cooperation between the Nordic Embassies in Berlin and the Danish School of Media and Journalism (DMJX). The exhibition catalogue has been published by the Danish publisher Ajour.

Free Admission.