Shipwreck of Dreams is a project that embarks on a journey in search of belonging, intertwining stories of migration through the reimagining of a little-known Swiss myth about a magical ship that grants wishes on Lake Geneva.


The project traces the histories of a self-organised school that has roamed Zurich, seeking a permanent free space, listening to the wisdom shared by its interconnected, multi-voiced community at the crossroads of European migration policies. Together, they tell stories about what to consider home.


The book presents a collaborative, cross-media documentation of the history and ongoing journey of the Autonomous School Zurich, commonly known as ‘Autonome Schule’ or ASZ. Combining photographs, drawings, archival images, participatory narratives, and essays, it interweaves the school’s history with the wish-granting ship myth, creating a symbolic framework for addressing themes of migration, belonging, and solidarity. Grounded in the school’s multi-vocal nature, the project shares the diverse perspectives and experiences of its wider community.


Tracing the school’s grassroots history of resistance against racism and injustice, the project unfolds a powerful counter-narrative to dominant migration discourses and Switzerland’s restrictive policies. Each story and image echoes the myth’s timeless promise of hope, inviting readers to reflect on the complex realities of migration and community.