Portrait
Litar – a place for literature and its promotion. Zurich’s Galerie Litar hosts regular exhibitions and events on literary topics. We also produce publications and projects in the fields of literature, translation and the media.
Litar aims to spark ideas, discover new things and start conversations about rarely raised subjects. To do so, we work with programmes that run for several years and encompass a range of formats. We run our projects ourselves or in collaboration with other institutions.
The Litar Foundation is a non-profit organization; it does not accept funding applications.
Newsletter
Thank you for your interest in Litar. Our newsletter is published in German and informs readers about our current projects and upcoming events. It is sent out four to six times a year and can be cancelled at any time.
Programmes
Litar works on thematic projects that run over several years. Our objective is to explore literary content off the beaten track. In a fast-moving world, Litar takes the time for an in-depth examination of a subject, allowing it to develop on a regional, national and international basis and take effect far beyond the scope of the original programme.
Bibel in Ge'ez, Asheten Mariam Kloster, Lalibela. Foto: Christa Baumberger
Litafrika
The ‘litafrika’ programme explores the literatures of the African continent, in the form of exhibitions, events, publications and intercontinental cooperation: the starting point was the acquisition of the Swiss journalist and theologian Al Imfeld’s (1935-2017) collection of articles. This collection was catalogued in 2020-21 and can be consulted at Litar. This was followed by the ‘litafrika’ exhibition trilogy (2022-2024) at Museum Strauhof in Zurich. In addition, Litar supports selected literature projects in sub-Saharan Africa: the Hausa International Book and Arts Festival (Nigeria), Women’s Somali Poetry Competition in Jigjiga (Ethiopia) and others.
'Written Art Ethiopia'
Research Trip
Litar opens a window onto Ethiopia. Christa Baumberger, director of the Litar Foundation, was awarded a research trip by Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, the Swiss Arts Council. During her artistic research in April/Mai 2026 she immersed herself in the current literary and arts scene in Addis Ababa and explored the ancient writing tradition.
Ethiopia has one of the oldest written cultures on the African continent; in Europe, however, the myth of ‘oral Africa’ persists. One goal was to dive into the history of the Amharic script, and explore how current artists use it in their work. A second aim was to engage in dialogue with contemporary authors, publishers and translators as well as with literary institutions. Two institutions in Addis Ababa were therefore of particular interest: the Zoma Museum, an environmentally conscious art project led by the artist Elias Sime and the curator Meskerem Assegued, and the Fendika Cultural Center, led by the dancer Melaku Belay.
This artistic research aims to lay the foundations for a collaboration with writers, artists and institutions in Ethiopia, in order to realize a joint exhibition project, ‘Written Art Ethiopia’.
With support from Pro Helvetia Johannesburg, the Swiss Arts Council.
Read more: Written Art Ethiopia
'litafrika – Literatures of a Continent'
Accra (Ghana), 2026/27
In 2026, 'litafrika' will take place on the African continent for the first time, curated by a Ghanaian-Swiss collective. The exhibition 'Literatures of a Continent' will be on display from November 2026 to January 2027 at the Library of Africa and The African Diaspora in Accra, Ghana. It is one of the first exhibitions of its kind in the city and will be accompanied by a variety of events and encounters.
The exhibition provides a platform for African authors and performers and appeals to a broad and diverse audience. The project builds on the 'litafrika' trilogy shown at Strauhof Zurich (2022–2024), but is tailored to African audiences and offers new content and perspectives. The exhibition combines contemporary voices and literary heritage, giving visitors an understanding of the continent's colonial history.
Curation: Sylvia Arthur and Seth Avusuglo, LOATAD, Ghana; Christa Baumberger and Nicole Schmid, Litar, Switzerland
With many thanks to the Corymbo foundation for its support and to Pro Helvetia Johannesburg for Seth Avusuglo's research trip.
Al Imfeld Article Collection
The collection of articles by the Swiss theologian and Africa journalist Al Imfeld contains newspaper articles on the literatures of the entire African continent from 1960 to 2014. The collection can be viewed at Litar by prior appointment. Al Imfeld article collection: Inventory
Contact: info@litar.ch
Exhibition trilogy ‘litafrika’
Strauhof Zurich, 2022-2024
The ‘litafrika’ exhibition trilogy, which was shown at Museum Strauhof in Zurich between 2022-2024, explored the literatures of the African continent from various perspectives. It was curated by the Litar Foundation and Museum Strauhof together with partners from several African countries and was funded by Pro Helvetia for its entire duration. In the spirit of a participatory process, each part took up the results of the previous exhibition and set a new focus.
The first exhibition, ‘litafrika - Poesien eines Kontinents’, put poetry centre stage: from post-colonial classics to the current slam and spoken word scene. The starting point was the monumental anthology ‘Africa in Poetry’ (Zurich 2015) by Swiss journalist and theologian Al Imfeld (1935-2017): a unique collection of poems from the entire continent in the German-speaking world. Curation: Christa Baumberger (Litar) and Rémi Jaccard (Strauhof)
The second exhibition, ‘litafrika - Artistic Encounters’, focussed on contemporary literature and constellated it with music, performance and visual art: eight novels - eight artistic encounters. Curation: Zukiswa Wanner
The third exhibition, ‘litafrika - Abidjan & Accra’, explored the literary scenes of two West African metropolises. It immersed the audience in the cities of Abidjan and Accra, presented current authors and cast a spotlight on the colonial past of two neighbouring countries that are both close and distant at the same time. Curator collective: Sylvia Arthur and Seth Avusuglo (LOATAD, Accra), Edwige-Renée Dro (1949books, Abidjan), Christa Baumberger and Nicole Schmid (Litar)
Overall management ‘litafrika’
Christa Baumberger (Litar) and Rémi Jaccard (Strauhof)
Exhibition graphics ‘litafrika’
Rahel Arnold
With many thanks to Pro Helvetia for funding from 2022-2024.
Youtube channel litafrika
Selected videos and digital formats are still available online: @litafrika
litafrika exhibitions
Ausschnitt Plakat «Schriftwechsel – Frauen und Literatur», 1988, Grafik: Esther-Lisette Ganz | Gosteli-Archiv, AGoF 298-67
Stimmlos
Literature and (In-)Justice
Which voices do we hear and who is denied a voice? Litar provides a platform for writers who were heard too rarely, for a wide range of reasons. Some were institutionalized or even declared incapable of speaking for themselves. Others withdrew and eventually fell silent. What remains is written traces, stories and novels, documents of their lives and sometimes also visual works. The “Stimmlos” (“Unvoiced”) programme acts as an amplifier, following these quiet voices, providing a space for the unheard and presenting stories that have not yet been written.
An installation at Galerie Litar allows visitors to experience the theme of “Unvoiced” with all their senses. Changing exhibitions are shown in a walk-in cell. Voices sound out, combined with images, photography and film. The cell’s confining walls invite visitors to cross mental boundaries.
Exhibitions to date:
Aussen ist innen – Klaus Merz
Forum Schlossplatz, 5 September to 1 March 2026
More (in German)...
Merz Welt
Galerie Litar, 13 September to 29 November 2025
More (in German)…
Arme Schweiz – Albert Minder und Lika Nüssli erzählen
Galerie Litar, 8 February to 5 April 2025
More (in German)…
Migration Memories
Galerie Litar, 9 March to 4 May 2024
More (in German)…
Frisch und Fein. Exil Zürich 1933
Galerie Litar, 15 April to 10 June 2023
More (in German)…
Aus der Stille ... Peter Liechti
Galerie Litar, 8 October to 3 December 2022
More (in German)…
Adelheid Duvanels Himmel
Galerie Litar, 30 October to 11 December 2021
More (in German)…
Friedrich Glausers Zelle
Galerie Litar, 28 May to 10 July 2021
More (in German)…
Neuedition von Albert Minder «Die Korber-Chronik. Aus dem Wanderbuch eines Heimatlosen.» Herausgegeben und mit Nachworten von Christa Baumberger und Nina Debrunner. Chronos, Zürich 2025. | Foto: Nakarin Saisorn
Weltenweit
Yenish, Sinti and Roma Literatures
Under the title “Weltenweit” (“Worlds Wide”), Litar has focused since 2019 on Yenish, Sinti and Roma literatures and cultures. Switzerland has recognized the Yenish and Sinti as national minorities since 2016. The Roma are still fighting for official recognition in the country, however. The cultures of these minorities are rich and diverse – and yet barely known. In 2019 Litar organized the “Weltenweit” Festival at Kosmos Zurich to change that. For the first time in Switzerland, Yenish, Sinti and Roma culture formed the focus of a festival. Since then, Litar has held readings, workshops, teaching events and panels in various places in Switzerland and Austria, on our own or in cooperation with institutions such as RomArchive, Initiative Minderheiten Tirol and Radgenossenschaft.
Current Publication
Morphing the Roma Label
Roma Jam Session art Kollektiv (Mo Diener, RR Marki and Milena Petrovic)
Published by Mo Diener and RR Marki, Zurich 2022.
Texts in German, English and Romanes.
Info and order: OnCurating.org
Publication and translations into Romanes were made possible with the support of Litar.
Agenda
Unless otherwise specified, events are listed in the language or the languages in which they will be held.
Information on past events is available here.
Galerie Litar
Galerie Litar stages exhibitions and holds events and workshops.
Galerie Litar
Letzistrasse 23, 8006 Zürich
info@litar.ch | Tel. +41 44 291 99 00
Nando von Arb «Fürchten lernen», 2023 © Edition Moderne / Nando von Arb
Schillernde Blasen
Friedrich Glauser – Nando von Arb
5. September bis 5. Dezember 2026
Galerie Litar Zürich
100 Jahre sind sie auseinander – der Comiczeichner Nando von Arb (*1992) und der Autor Friedrich Glauser (1896–1938). Doch ihre Themen sind erstaunlich nah und überaus aktuell: Kindheit, Krankheiten, reale und imaginäre Bedrängnisse. Erinnerungen steigen auf «wie schillernde Blasen».
Nando von Arb trifft mit seiner Graphic Novel «Fürchten lernen» (2023) den Nerv der Zeit. In kurzen Episoden zeichnet er unterschiedliche Angsterfahrungen, die ihn und seine Generation betreffen. Glauser erzählt in «Damals in Wien» (1938) von seiner Kindheit in Wien um 1900, geprägt vom frühen Tod der Mutter und einem übermächtigen Vater.
In der Ausstellung kommen die zwei Welten zusammen: Die Graphic Novel wird im Raum inszeniert und es erklingt Glausers anschauliche Erzählung. Zudem lässt sich Nando von Arb künstlerisch auf Glauser ein. Eigens für die Ausstellung hat er expressive Bilder geschaffen. Die Zeitreise führt von 1900 bis ins Jetzt und zur Frage: Welche Ängste liegen heute in der Luft?
Kuratorin: Christa Baumberger
Künstlerischer Beitrag: Nando von Arb
Die Ausstellung wird unterstützt von Stadt Zürich Kultur. Herzlichen Dank!
Veranstaltungen
Vernissage mit Nando von Arb, Christa Baumberger, Nicole Schmid (Litar), Peter Stuiber (Wien Museum) und Karl Wagner (Literaturwissenschaftler). «45 Minuten mit…»-Veranstaltungen mit Vinzenz Meyner (Künstler) und Salome Hohl (Direktorin Cabaret Voltaire), Christa Baumberger, Simone Lappert (Autorin) sowie Hannes Binder (Illustrator). Präsentation der Edition Litar in Wien mit Christa Baumberger, Peter Stuiber und Karl Wagner. Buchclub zum Thema Angst mit Annik Hosmann (Readtreat), Fabian Weingartner (Silent Reading Rave) und Nicole Schmid. Abendlicher Schreib-Walk-Shop mit Marie-Anne Lerjen (Agentur für Gehkultur). Finissage mit Gespräch zwischen Nando von Arb und seiner Verlegerin Julia Marti (Edition Moderne).
Edition Litar
Zur Ausstellung erscheint Edition Litar 07 «Schillernde Blasen», herausgegeben von Christa Baumberger und Peter Stuiber. Mit Originalzeichnungen und einem Gespräch mit dem Comiczeichner und Illustrator Nando von Arb. Essays von Patrick Bühler, Linn Ritsch, Peter Stuiber und Karl Wagner sowie den Herausgeber:innen Christa Baumberger und Peter Stuiber.
Eine Kooperation von Litar und Wien Museum.
Bestellung: ab 5. September via Buchhandlung oder info@litar.ch | CHF 8.– (zzgl. Versandkosten)
Kooperation Wien Museum
Der Ausstellung vorangegegangen ist ein internationales Symposium «Friedrich Glauser und Wien» im Oktober 2024 im Wien Museum. Es wurde von Peter Stuiber (Wien Museum) und Christa Baumberger (Litar) organisiert und in Kooperation mit der Schweizer Botschaft in Österreich durchgeführt. Die Beiträge des Symposiums sind in gekürzter Fassung in der Edition Litar abgedruckt, die Originalbeiträge werden digital publiziert. Sie können mittels QR-Code (Edition Litar) abgerufen werden.
Vermittlung für Schulen
Zur Ausstellung wird ein dialogischer Ausstellungsrundgang + Workshop zu den Themen Angst, Erinnerung und Kindheit angeboten. Im Zentrum steht insbesondere die Auseinandersetzung mit Nando von Arbs Graphic Novel «Fürchten lernen» (Edition Moderne 2023), die sich durch Aktualität und ein hohes Identifikationspotenzial auszeichnet. Wir fragen uns: Welche Ängste sind zurzeit prägend? Wie begegnen wir ihnen?
Dauer: zwischen 60 und 90 Min., Termine nach Absprache (Workshops werden primär ausserhalb der regulären Öffnungszeiten angeboten)
Kosten: CHF 120
Kontakt: info@litar.ch | Tel. 044 291 99 00
Impressum
Leitung Litar | Kuratorin: Christa Baumberger
Herausgeber:innen Edition Litar: Christa Baumberger und Peter Stuiber
Künstlerischer Beitrag: Nando von Arb
Kuratorische Assistenz | Vermittlung: Nicole Schmid
Ausstellungsgrafik | Flyer: Rahel Arnold
Kommunikation: Jana Bersorger
Mitarbeit Galerie Litar: Jana Besorger, Nicole Schmid, Sophie Wieser
Previous exhibitions
Contact
The Litar foundation is located at Letzistrasse 23 in Zurich-Oberstrass: in an old painter's studio, and surrounded by a cosy courtyard garden with old trees and a babbling fountain. Close to the city centre, yet quiet and idyllic, it is an ideal location for smaller scale exhibitions and events.
Galerie Litar Zurich © Studio Gataric Fotografie | Event photo: Nakarin Saisorn
Litar
Letzistrasse 23, CH-8006 Zurich
Tel. +41 44 291 99 00
info@litar.ch
www.litar.ch
How to get to Litar:
- Tram 10 from Zurich central station to Letzistrasse (10 mins)
- Tram 10 from Zurich airport to Letzistrasse (20 mins)
- Tram 9 from Bellevueplatz to Letzistrasse (10 mins)
Opening hours Galerie Litar
Mon–Fri 9 am to 5 pm
Newsletter
Thank you for your interest in Litar. Our newsletter is published in German and informs readers about our current projects and upcoming events. It is sent out four to six times a year and can be cancelled at any time.
Team
Photos team: Ayse Yavas