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 Roberto Cimetta Fund enabled Mehmet and I to travel between the UK and Turkey respectively. The grant was also used to gain other funding as I was able to use it as a minimal match to secure funding from other bodies.

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

The opportunity to meet, network and work with international contacts has been invaluable to the project. The aims of the project were also to address the lack of inclusivity in Tango. From this point, looking back reflectivity on what we have achieved so far I feel we have given more visitibility to inclusive Tango through being able to work within Tango communities in Tukey and the UK. The dissemination of material from the project; video, performances and workshops will also contribute further but to truly make an impact, the Tango community itself, needs to open up and in this sense I feel that we have begun but by no means achieved greater diversity in Tango. Turkey has a strong and renowned Tango tradition, it is a par of the Turkish culture in the big cities and through this project we have had a chance to meet and share the project with dancers and non-dancers from many Turkish and UK cities. Artistically the opportunity to work and learn alongside another dancer who uses different methods, who appraches the topic distinctly was also invaluable since we were able to shape the project to be as accessible and flexible as possible to the participants. The WCT project also enabled me to establish creative networks across the UK and abroad, the British Council gave me a bursary to attend the IETM conference in Munich which was an incredible opportunity to meet and discuss the project with European colleagues.

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

I am exploring creating my own methodology for the teaching of inclusive Tango. I have run outside of WCT inclusive Tango with autistic people and I believe this project has consolidated my idea that a methodology can be created and taught to other practitioners. I will be looking in 2019 to spend an extended period in Argentina where there are a number of inclusive dance companies that use Tango. Furthermore, Argentina is forefront in the use of Tango, as dance therapy and I would look to research my methodology in greater depth with professionals there. The Wheel Chair Tango project has enabled me to establish longevity and the beginning of an artistic footprint. Whilst the project has presented numerous challenges, it also has pushed me to take my work to the next level and to a bigger public. The interest and support in the project has been positive, at times overwhelming but overall demonstrates there is an interest and demand for inclusive Tango. Whilst I am not on a one-woman mission to change Tango, I do feel passionate about changing the lack of diversity in the Tango scene and will now look to use my own Tango connections to program more inclusive Tango. The project has also highlighted the need to train and deepen both Mehmet and myself knowledge as a practitioners, We will be engaging in further training with the UK based Unlimited who run a program “working with allies” which help build networks between inclusive practitioners. I believe this will extend beyond WCT Project

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

I am in the process of creating a website, it should be running by January 2019.
www.annaalvarez.co.uk

Facebook: Anna Alvarez https://www.facebook.com/anna.clasper.18
Instagram: annalvarez_