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?
My stay at the village of Gharb, Gozo with the Arist in residency program of Valetta 2018 and the help of the RCF has been enrichment in various ways leading towards the creation of a composition for the Gharb Band Club which has been premiered the 17th of February 2018. During the 3 week residency I found inspiration by talking to local dwellers. The main subject of the conversations became the one of gozonian Legends and mythology. I began to investigate more in order to base my composition on this topic. Throughout my hiking trips in the gozonian countryside I collected footage which I used later on for my work. The collaboration with the orchestra turned out to be a great exchange of ideas both ways and definitely influenced my working process. The project has had a great impact on me personally and professionally as well as on the musicians and the audience.
How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?
The Ghaqda Muzikali Visitazzjoni (Band Club of the village of Gharb) with which I worked asked me to write another composition. Future plans of collaboration also have been made with the AFM-Band of the Maltese Military as the the musical director of the Gharb Band Club Jason Camilleri officially introduced me to the Bandmaster of the AFM Warrant Officer 1 Jonathan Borg. So the overall outcome of the residency has been a personal enrichment for me and professionally giving future opportunities. I am looking forward to continue working with the persons which helped me realising this project.
Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?
I learned a lot about the legends and mythology in a community which still believes in them. Meeting some of those persons they refer as legendary characters and which created some of those legends I seek for gave me a new perspective on those ancient stories. Gozo is a place where superstition is an integral part of everyday life. Processing this observations in my music gave the dwellers as well a new perspective on the social dynamic they are living in.
Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)
http://www.philippewozniak.net
