Caux Encounters

JOIN US TO (RE)CONNECT AT THE CAUX PALACE!

In a world where connections are often virtual, let’s come together in person to share experiences, and immerse ourselves in a vibrant mix of culture and community.

The Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation warmly invites you to a special gathering at the stunning Caux Palace on Saturday 15 March 2025, from 15:00 to 20:30.

What’s in store?

• Inspiring conversations and encounters
• Mysterious and marvellous apparitions, with Cie Zappar
• A thought-provoking exhibition "Suspended Horizons" by Syrian-born artist Dilawer Dildar
• A shared meal and moments that bring us together
• A swinging concert with pianist Xavier Silva Ferreira
• And to round off the evening, a humorous and caustic surprise...

This is your chance to step away from the screen and connect with a vibrant community in an unforgettable setting.

📍 Where: Caux Palace in 1824 Caux, near Montreux, Switzerland

📅 When: Saturday 15 March 2025, from 15:00 to 20:30

⬇️ Download the flyer (in French)

🎟️ Free Entry - Everybody is welcome! 

📋 FREE ENTRY - registration required for organisational reasons

Whether you come alone, with friends, or family, everyone is welcome to this unique celebration of connection, creativity, and community.

Let’s make this moment count—we can’t wait to see you there!

PROGRAMME

15:00 

Welcome to the Caux Palace, 2 Rue du Panorama, 1824 Caux
Location: Main Hall 

The Caux Palace is a historic monument of national interest, offering one of the most spectacular views of the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps in Switzerland. This former Belle Époque hotel, recently featured in the RTS series "Winter Palace", is a unique piece of Swiss heritage. Its architecture, history and cultural role make it a fascinating place with a rich heritage.

From 15:30 

Experience meaningful connections at Caux: Encounters – Conversations – Sharing - Discoveries
Location: Caux Palace salons

At Caux, we believe in the power of sharing life experiences and exploring emotions with confidence. Being able to do so is a privilege—and one we’re committed to supporting! Join us for inspiring moments of connection, hosted by Caux Initiatives of Change, the Friends of Caux IofC Association,  the Hub des Possibles and the musician Tsvetana Petrushina.

✨ Discover new perspectives
✨ Engage in heartfelt conversations
✨ Be part of a transformative journey

📋 Register on-site and be part of something special

ENCOUNTER 1: What if I was really listened to?

Listening is an essential key to connecting with others, understanding each other better and opening up the realm of possibilities towards a sustainable and inspiring future.

During this workshop, we will explore listening in different dynamic and lively forms. The objective? To refine our inner compass, to exchange views on the major challenges of our time, to cultivate the joy of sharing and to imagine together meaningful paths for the future.

Language spoken: French (English/German possible)

With: ANNICK WAGNER, Coach, Facilitator & Co-Director of Hub des Possibles

ENCOUNTER 2: What are the values that guide me?

The values that guide me are the foundation of my life. They reflect who I am and guide my choices and actions. Would you like to spend some time with others to explore your values, whether individual or collective? Would you like to deepen your understanding of these values to better apply them consciously in your life? Then join us for a creative and intuitive experience. This time of exploration will allow us to journey more deeply towards the values that guide us in our daily lives.

Language spoken: French (English/German possible)

With:

• VÉRONIQUE SIKORA, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Management, Yverdon-les-Bains & facilitator
• MARGRET LEHMANN, Mediator and Facilitator, Friends of Caux IofC association

ENCOUNTER 3: Discover the power of your voice!

This vocal workshop is for those who want to find and release the power of their inner and outer voice. You will be able to feel the origins of your Self, but also the origins of the powerful sound of your body. The author's technique aims to reveal the natural voice and give it a special purity. This technique also reveals the secrets to learning to sing freely and easily.

Language spoken: English & Russian

With: TSVETANA PETRUSHINA, Singer, composer, vocal coach

ENCOUNTER 4: What stories lie behind Dilawer Dildar's paintings?

Dilawer Dildar's works tell the story of lives, of moments in life, using two different techniques, painting and ballpoint pen. Why did Dilawer start painting? What stories do his paintings reveal to us? What do you see in his paintings? Come and join this workshop and talk to the artist.

Language spoken: French and Arabic

With:

• ANNE-CATHERINE SUTERMEISTER, Head of Community Engagement, Culture, Arts and Training Programmes - Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change
• DILAWER DILDAR, Artist & Painter

Image

From 17:30 

Mysterious and intriguing characters are set to weave through the Caux Palace, bringing surprise and wonder at every turn! Get ready for an enchanting experience where the unexpected comes to life.

Step into the magic—let yourself be amazed!

18:00 

"Suspended Horizons" - Opening Exhibition by Dilawer Dildar
Location: Belle Epoque Room

Born in Syria, Dilawer Dildar has been painting since childhood, using his art as a powerful voice for peace and democracy. His works tell captivating stories, bring characters to life, and depict profound moments with grace and finesse.

Join us as Dilawer shares the inspiration behind his art and the message it carries. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a visionary artist!
In collaboration with Private P’Arts Montreux 

Please note that the exhibition will also be open on 22 and 29 February 2025 (14:00 - 17:00).

18:30 

Bar and light refreshments – Dishes from here and there with the support of Femmes du monde of the Maison de Quartier de Jaman-Montreux
Location: Belle Epoque Room

AND

Guided tours of the Caux Palace (📋registration on the day)

Dive into the fascinating history of the Caux Palace, constructed between 1900 and 1902 as a magnificent Belle Epoque Grand Hotel offering one of the most spectacular views in Switzerland.

During the tour, you will discover prestigious spaces, like the baroque theatre and the imposing Main Hall, and explore behind-the-scenes areas, such as the laundry rooms and the construction workshops.

You will also find out more about the international network of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation and its activities in Switzerland and abroad.

19:30 - 20:30

Piano Performance by Xavier Silva Ferreira
Location: Caux Palace Theatre

A true prodigy from the region, Xavier Silva Ferreira will take us on an unforgettable musical journey! From classical masterpieces to the rhythms of rock, jazz, and soul, his talent knows no bounds.

Get ready to be mesmerized by his versatility and passion!
With the support of the September Musical Montreux-Vevey Festival.

And last but not least...

A Surprise Guest to spice up the end of the evening!

THE ARTISTS

Dilawer Dildar, painter (Syria/Switzerland)

Born in Afrin, Syria, in 1976, Dilawer Dildar discovered his passion for painting at just 10 years old. In a country where his only true freedom was through art and poetry, he became a powerful advocate for peace and democracy. His work has been featured in Kurdish newspapers alongside his poems and writings, and since arriving in Switzerland in 2015, he has exhibited in galleries across Switzerland, Germany (including the Peace Symposium), and Kurdistan. Even during the pandemic, he continued to share his art through virtual exhibitions. For Dilawer, art is more than creativity—it’s a voice for the oppressed, a tribute to freedom, and a celebration of life’s beauty. His paintings capture the pain of suffering, the hope for peace, and the vibrant colors of cultural unity. (Portrait by Mohammed Aref)

Xavier Silva Ferreira, pianist (Switzerland)

At just 16 years old, Xavier Silva Ferreira is already making waves as a talented young pianist from Vevey, Switzerland. A student at the Auguste Piccard Gymnasium in Lausanne, he is currently preparing for his music maturity exams while continuing to refine his craft. His journey began with school music lessons, leading him to teach himself piano for a year through online videos before pursuing classical training at the Vevey Conservatory. In just three years, he has evolved into a versatile performer, captivating audiences at hotels, festivals, and even Claude Nobs' legendary chalet. From classical masterpieces to the grooves of jazz, rock, and soul, Xavier embraces all styles with passion and curiosity. With an insatiable thirst for musical exploration, he is a pianist to watch out for!

Cie Zappar - Peuple lumière

Zappar brings together artists who are convinced that collective creation strengthens social cohesion. Through the participatory creation of works of art, Zappar gives the public a voice and encourages them to express themselves on social issues of direct concern to them. Zappar creates its own projects or works on commission for public authorities, associations, NGOs or universities. (photo Peuple Lumière left and top banner: Laura Pasche) 

THE FACILITATORS OF OUR ENCOUNTERS

ANNICK WAGNER, Coach, Facilitator & Co-Director Hub des Possibles

Annick Wagner combines the analysis of an engineer, the commitment of a manager and the inspiration of a coach. She has more than 20 years of experience as a facilitator and leadership trainer. She co-directs a Certificate of Advanced Studies in change management and practices playback theatre. Annick likes to integrate various methodologies and let herself be inspired by what is happening in the moment. She trusts the process!

VÉRONIQUE SIKORA, Associate Professor at the School of Engineering and Management in Yverdon-les-Bains & Facilitator

An associate professor at the School of Engineering and Management in Yverdon-les-Bains in French-speaking Switzerland, Véronique Sikora brings her passion for sharing knowledge and several years of multicultural experience in the field of communication and training. She also acts as a consultant for under the name of ‘Tissage du tissu social’ (Weaving the Social Fabric). Her long experience in the world of volunteering has led her, among other things, to offer workshops and leadership training, as well as to facilitate seminars and round tables in Switzerland.

MARGRET LEHMANN, Mediator and Facilitator, Friends of Caux IofC Association

Margret Lehmann is an independent mediator and facilitator from Switzerland. She is also an active member of the Friends of Caux IofC association, which supports the mission of Caux Initiatives of Change.

ANNE-CATHERINE SUTERMEISTER, Head of Community Engagement, Culture, Arts and Training Programmes - Switzerland, Caux Initiatives of Change

Anne-Catherine Sutermeister has worked in the cultural sector for over 25 years: in cultural organisations (Théâtre de Vidy-Lausanne, Bibliothèque cantonale universitaire, Théâtre du Jorat), in higher education (La Manufacture in Lausanne and HEAD-Geneva), in cultural policy (Canton of Bern, Pro Helvetia Foundation Board, State of Valais), and as a consultant and trainer (MAS in cultural management at the University of Lausanne/Geneva), which gives her a global perspective on the cultural sector. In 2019, she took a sabbatical year in Southeast Asia and Australia: she set off to meet artists and cultural managers, whom she interviewed to learn about their realities and practices. At the same time, she is supplementing her yoga practice with teacher training. Sensitised to mental health issues, she is taking her first first-aid course.

TSVETANA PETRUSHINA, Singer, Composer, Vocal Coach

With 10 years of experience in singing lessons, Tsvetana Petrushina, a musician and vocal coach based in Switzerland, has developed a teaching system that reveals a person's natural voice, helps them overcome their internal blockages and opens them up to the world in a new way.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Caux Palace on 15 March!

                                   FREE REGISTRATION HERE

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Practical Information

GETTING TO CAUX

We highly recommend that you travel to Caux by public transport as parking spaces are limited. Caux’s train station is situated right next to the Caux Palace. Caux can be reached within one and a half hours by car or train from Geneva, and two hours from Bern. Trains run every hour from both Geneva Airport and Bern.

• For exact travel times and connections, please consult www.rail.ch
• Click here for a detailed map of the area.

PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

Friends of Caux IofC 

The Swiss association Friends of Caux IofC connects people living in Switzerland who are interested in keeping in touch during the year and in implementing projects that are furthering the aims of the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation and increasing the visibility of the events and conferences at the Caux Palace.

Hub des Possibles

Le Hub des Possibles is a unique “Think-and-Be Tank” focused on fostering connections, imagination, and personal growth to help individuals and organizations break free from sectoral silos. It encourages a shift from inertia to action by promoting self-awareness, meaningful relationships, and envisioning future possibilities. Through a holistic approach to environmental and social mobilization, the Hub supports the creation of new narratives for both individuals and collectives. The Hub envisions a world where people are deeply connected to themselves, others, and the environment, working together to build a future that honors both planetary boundaries and human dignity.

Private P'Arts

Private P'Arts is an association of around fifty Montreux artists founded in 2009 to promote their work that creates links between artists, but above all with the residents of the Montreux region. Private P'Arts is committed to contributing to the social and economic life of the area, to making it friendlier and sometimes more critical. 

Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey

Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey is the oldest classical music festival in Switzerland, second only to Lucerne. The first Septembre Musical dates back to 1946. An integral part of Switzerland's cultural heritage for almost 80 years, the Septembre Musical festival brings together the world's greatest orchestras, conductors and soloists every year in the idyllic setting of the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. Thanks to its international reputation, the cultural event attracts musicians and spectators from all over the world every year.

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Support our work - Be part of the adventure!

This event is completely free and open to everyone! It exists thanks to the generosity of our donors. We need your support to keep the chain of solidarity going! Therefore, every donation, large or small, will contribute directly to the essential renovation work at Caux Palace, to preserve this iconic venue for generations to come.

✨ Together, let's keep history alive! ✨