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?
The first time I have applied to danceWEB four years ago. I kept my determination to continuously apply to the program for all four years. From that grant contribute and support I find myself there with 67 amazing peers, I was the only African/Arab region based artist, The participant come from all over the world, but mostly were based in Europe or the US (55 out of 67). Those amazing Webbers, were the main highlight for the whole experience. They made it all, leaving me the sincere wish to have had more time to dance and explore each one of them. And yet even after the danceWEB program we still in contact, share knowledge, asking questions, get inspired and some already have been collaborating together.
How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?
This DanceWEB group was, still and will forever be so inspiring. With them I have learned a lot about myself as a citizen artist and how much work is required even beyond the corporeal aspects, a work as an activist as showing solidarity and as an agent of change. I had the privilege to be participating within this group in that tensions and discussion that carry us on in our journey. As an artist of color. I got to discover more that I am a citizen of the space that I inhabited, I have been so inspired by Keith Hennesy for creating such space for dialogue and discussion around that topics in his workshop.
Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?
it was such a great opportunity to be in Keith Hennesy’s workshop. I will never hesitate to take his workshop again and again because it was incredibly inspiring. Jassem Hindi provoked me to debate after exploding my mind with philosophy. Christina and Sade pushed me physically but Damien Jalet and Aimilios Arapoglou push even harder. I had fun wacking and vouging with Archiee…and more have inspired and nourished me instead of simply providing movement motifs. it was a process of learning without self-alienation. With all the ups and Downs with the experiences, and the identity of it, looking back to it, I am still confused about the experience, but I think I value a lot of things about, I have learned a lot about myself, I have learned a lot from my peers webbers, I appreciated the conference time with the webbers (even if sometimes I wished that I doesn’t and just having fun instead), I got to know teachers who inspired me, and people who were, are and still so inspiring. But if you asked me; would you go for this experience again after what happen of if I feel that I go the best out of it?, I would say I need more time to make this unfold! However, I must say that I was disappointed with the curating program, especially when it goes to such big names such like Ultima Vez or Jan Fabrea, I had a huge expectation but got confronted with such Sexist or racist actions and languages, I got to say that I LEFT some performances for not be able to stand for the content of the work. It was very interesting; I think this experience made a different spectator out of me.
Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)
Pina Bausch Fellowship: https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika LinkedIn; https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika Instagram https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika Vimeo: https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika Final reports as dancewebbers from here.( please select 2017 as year) https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika Article written by Anh Vo about the racist act at ImplusTanz, here. https://fellowship.pinabausch.org/en/year/fellows/2017/mohamed-shika
