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?

The trip to Beirut in order to attend the conference Bodies in Public and to create and perform the “AquaUrban Routines” at the Corniche in Beirut, was very fruitful regards the contacts and artistic production. We not only met many inspiring and thought provoking artists, performers and academics, but also developed our own performance piece that was performed during the conference. Even if the goal of organizers was to bring together both practitioners and academics – majority of our new contacts were coming from academic backgrounds. On avarage we met around 50 individuals from different organizations and institutions coming from around the globe. It was important not only meeting new people, but also to re-visit network of people we established during the Artist in Residence in Miziara that was organized by Temporary Art Platform in August 2014. To sum up, during my three week stay in Beirut we established ourselves in local academic circle of American University of Beirut, and within the most active local art platforms - Mansion and Zico House.

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

In the future we would like to return to create new work in Beirut. In order to achive that, we definetly will be contacting Temporary Art Platform, the Zico House and the Mansion. It is an important network that will help us to secure funding and assist in the production of the work, as well as exhibiting our work in Beirut and Barcelona.

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

I definetly agree that mobility has increased my competences and skills, it also has been a tremendous learning experience. At Metasitu, our productivity and creativity strives when ever we encounter new places and people. In our practice mobility and search for new territories is a key. Our work most of the times is very site specific, therefore, encountering new places not only has enriched me personally but always has lead to producion of new work. Mobility has definetly increased my organizational and planning skills. Every trip requires attention, search for funding, planning agenda, especially, if it is rather short trip.

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

http://www.metasitu.com