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?

Thanks to the travel grant by Roberto Cimetta Fund, I travelled to Istanbul for 8 days. I spent from September 9th to 16th in Istanbul. During those days, I met various artists and curators as well as cultural professionals. During the trip, I met many artists, journalists, curators and cultural workers. I also learnt immensely about life in Istanbul and the current situation. I managed to establish a first small network with various people and initiatives from the region in order to plan events for 2018 and 2019 with Turkish-Maltese collaborations. I aim to establish relationships to both exhibit work in Istanbul as well as present Turkish artists in Malta.

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

The exposure in Istanbul will certainly have a long-term impact for future cooperation through the platform of my NGO FRAGMENTA, as well as for my personal work. I will use the information, impressions, contacts and experience gained to further elaborate artistic collaborations and be able to push the presence of Maltese artists in Turkey.

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

www.bettina-hutschek.com