Cultivating Artistic Exchange
Originally intended as the project’s first activity, this initiative unfolded as the second-to-last endeavor, with a similar purpose in mind. Much like the preceding activities, preliminary online meetings paved the way. Within this context, the composition of participants, their individual suitability, and the focus of the physical mobility were collectively determined.
The program of the physical mobility fundamentally drew upon the host organization’s local practices. In this instance, the spotlight was on their methodology of integrating African dance traditions into contemporary contexts to foster community cohesion. Furthermore, a shared event was organized: the Community Festival Mondo.
In relation to the former, a corresponding program was held each evening, open to the local population. This provided an opportunity to directly engage with the host organization’s methodology through workshops. An interesting observation emerged: the decision to place this activity towards the end of the project was beneficial due to the significance of physical contact and closeness, both integral to the presented methodology. To illustrate the methodology’s application potential, traditional roots, approaches, and the academic context were expounded through presentations and discussion sessions. Moreover, all participating organizations had the chance to showcase their own work.
As part of these presentations and showcases, AlphaZTL performed their work “Violata” live, a performance that left the audience in silence, tangibly conveying the power of performative expression. This sparked an extensive discussion about the potential of performative practices and the issue of violence against women, highlighting that these are universal themes resonating across countries and organizations.
Regarding the community-oriented event, similar to Brindisi, workshop series were conducted here as well, targeting the recipient organization’s audiences. These workshops were subsequently presented at the Community Festival. During the festival’s curation, the desires of the host organization and its participants were taken into account, ensuring sustainable expansion of their methodological spectrum. One such contribution from Namastay e.V. was the “Sound Movement” format, involving young people with disabilities in the creation of a performative sound installation. The sound modules were pre-recorded through participatory “sound hunting,” installed on trees, and played live in conjunction with dance performances.
Under the title “Milfshake,” AlphaZTL collaborated with a local senior citizens’ folklore dance group to create a contemporary piece. This endeavor pushed participants beyond their boundaries, addressing the role and societal perception of older women to challenge conventions, prejudices, and stereotypes. TenRock’s team shared their open clowning and juggling workshops with elementary school students and conducted an intermedia workshop series using dance therapy methods, culminating in a presentation for an inclusive audience. Notably, the approach to empowerment and community building in this context diverged from the host organization’s method, but the purpose aligned.
Participants created collages and poems reflecting their emotions and ideas, integrated into the presentation. During the live performance, diverse materials encouraged audience engagement, fostering a strong sense of community and stimulating active appreciation of visual and lyrical artworks. Fundación Escuela de Solidaridad (FES) also utilized stilts in workshops and presentations, intertwining traditional dances and regional masks, resulting in a fresh interpretation of age-old customs.
Fernblick GmbH provided comprehensive support in festival organization, promotion, documentation, and team coaching, enabling future independent replication of similar endeavors by the local team.
Witness the transformation of artistic expressions into impactful experiences, bridging cultures and generating dialogue. Explore how our penultimate activity serves as a bridge between tradition and innovation, shaping a communal vision for the future.
