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 in charge of setting up the installation/ exhibition “Famagusta: Memory Map” which has had at least a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, to evoke the tragic events of the August 1974 exodus of Greek Famagustans following the Turkish invasion ; on the other hand, to attract, besides the general audience, those whose lives have been intertwined with Famagusta and invite them to give their testimonies, which would be the basis for the text for the performance "Memories of Deep Harbour" planned for next year. The exhibition was preceded and was continuation of a 2-week workshop by the same title, conducted by my colleague Boris Bakal (in collaboration with cinematographer Srdjan Kovacevic, who prepared materials for exhibition), that resulted in a public performance on June 15. The participants of the workshop helped me and my Cypriot colleagues to run the exhibition which took place on June 23 and 24 in the wonderful space of the former Vinegar Factory now run by Mythos Theatre. All in all, there were over 200 visitors.

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

This project is all about people and about sharing experiences. It is focused on a relatively small universe of Famagusta but it has universal significance and power of conveying the trauma of a historical cut and the possibilities of transcending this trauma and find continuity on other levels than those of physical life. This project would not be possible without exchange and networking.

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

Mobility has essentially marked my life and allowed me to learn, besides the 5 languages that I am proficient in, about the culture and the specifics of everyday life and mentality that cannot be learned on any language course. Also, the project taking place in another cultural environment is always a challenge for one's "translating" skills - and here I mean translating as an overall human competence to be immersed and enveloped in another culture, trying to understand it and at once giving it an input different from the native one.