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?

Talks with the Bureau Détonnant in Marseille led to the question of strategy for the developpement this new international band, with France as a basis. France has an array of fundings we could be eligible for, as well as spaces that correspond to what we need as a band. I also made at least 7 good contacts for places to play : café-concerts (Pixie in Lannion, Cave 12 in Geneva), concert venues (Magasin 4 in Bruxelles, Menza Prikoritu in Ljubljana) or festivals (Mimi in Marseille, Fusion in Berlin, Jewish festival in Krakow). The trip had for purpose a collaboration between my Israeli band Kruzenshern I Parohod and French band Vialka. The name we came up with is KIV Orchestra.

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

I discovered that France has organised community sponsored residency spaces with free accomodation, like l'Embobineuse in Marseille or La Fabrik in Issoire. The recording studio also had free accomodation. It's something unavailable in Israel.

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

I first participated in composing and arranging original music in a new context. I became aware that the mediterraneen region and EU have a vast field of possibilities, for places to play and organisations to support the activity. Our partner Vialka has contacts in Spain, France, Italy, Greece and the Balkans, Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt and Marocco. Mobility is important for my career and human soul, it gives me hope for an understanding and respect of my homeland situation and culture.

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XRmdN2GmQo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XRmdN2GmQo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XRmdN2GmQo