How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

I was invited to take part in the One Architecture Week 2015 in Bulgaria. This festival was looking for looking for contributions from other cities/countries, where rivers make a significant contribution to the culture and civilization, spatial and urban context. Tigris and Euphrates are extremely important rivers of the region of Iraq, creating Mesopotamia valley. In this sense I was invited an artist from Iraq to partake in this event based on the significant architectural dimension of my work ‘The house of Mesopotamia’, presented at the Venice Biennale. Thanks to the RCF Mobility Grant, i was able to join this cultural event dedicated on the role of rivers and their influence on art, culture and society. For me as an artist from Irak, who live in Mesopotamia, it was crucial. I meet and was put in contact with artists who share the same concerns about the future of rivers in our world. We were in touch with many groups of artists, architects and authors.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

Exchange, networking and international contact help the artists to interact with one another and develop their artistic work. In fact, this experience led me to realize the difficult circumstances we live in our region and be more aware of the importance of creating art and increasing the value of cultural life.

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

The festival’s focus has enriched my own knowledge, the audience's and the rest of the foreign participants not only on the importance and the good management of the rivers but on the Iraqi culture and art as a whole. I gained an important experience and an open mind through this cultural and creative friction and this civilisation dialogue with other artists who live in different regions geographically and culturally. This experience will be reflected my future artistic work and my ability to communicate with the world as well as enhance the sense of initiative.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2013/06/201363083931301542.html