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 stayed in Gaza Strip for three weeks starting the 16th of April. My first permission to enter in the Gaza Strip was rejected by the Hamas. Therefore my organization had to make a new arrangements. Fortunately, the delay was only one week which I could afford to cover on my own expenses. I left the Gaza strip the 7th of May because I had to make a short visit to the West Bank. One of the main goals was to assist in the training of young Palestinian artists and media specialists in field of film-making in particularly focusing on documentary film-making. The second goal was to bring back a story from the Gaza Strip. Both goals were successfully achieved. My students were very skilled and devoted to learn as much as possible, therefore this cultural exchange was very successful.

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

They are very important, because I believe that bringing my experience and culture to other country will provide local people with analytical and critical thinking skills and will encourage creation.

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

With this travel I and my organization learnt and improved its understanding of cultural diversity and is going to develop adaptive behaviors to other cultures thereby enriching our own society in Latvia.