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 am a freelance stenographer from Palestine, where theater field is still developing through the years. Unfortunately, the term scenography is still so young and fresh and most directors don't take us into consideration, therefore it is essential to prove that we are highly skilled and professionals in our work. This trip took me mainly to Prague, the Capital of Puppets, where I was able to enroll in 2 different workshops specialized in puppet making; the first was a summer program course called “Releasing the hidden energy of objects and puppets” at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague (DAMU), and the second was a “Marionette construction course” at (Puppets in Prague School). Through these 2 courses, I had the opportunity to meet some international puppet makers, theater directors and actors. Also, I was able to attend theater performances for adults and children, as well as visiting puppets museums and galleries. All this, opened my eyes wide to new facets of art, introduced me to the quality of work made outside Palestine, taught me about new cultures and aspects of artistic identities. It helped me mature my project of puppet making and performing back home. I came back with the positive energy to find my right team and to start preparation for the coming performance.
How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?
As I mentioned before, theater arts including scenography and puppetry is still young and fresh in this area of the world. Every networking, every contact, every exchange program will help me meet and learn from different people with different techniques and schools. It will simply help me grow with my project.
Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?
I enrolled in 3 different puppet courses in which I learnt how to make a full marionette from point zero; (woodcarving, painting, costume making, stringing and manipulating) i also learnt new techniques in table and huge puppets. I was exposed to different performances that opened my mind to new means of creativity. I also met different artists from different backgrounds holding with them various techniques and unique geniusity each in his own field of art... I understood better the mean of being one of the group, as in the 3 workshops I enrolled in, we ended up with a performance to mainly present our work to other artists and teachers and normal people. It was a very nice challenge to use your own language in these performances plus Czech and English. This mobility simply helped me grow with my art and character.
