STORIES IN MOTION

#Stories in Motion

In the bustling city of Alexandria, Egypt, Omar, a dedicated theatre director, believed fervently in the transformative power of art for fostering intercultural communication. Through his interactive theatre workshops, Omar worked tirelessly to break down societal barriers, promote empathy, and cultivate understanding within diverse communities in Egypt. Despite his local success, Omar harboured a desire to expand his reach, connect with new audiences, and engage in meaningful cultural collaborations beyond his homeland.

Concurrently, in Ptuj, Slovenia, a civil society organisation shared a similar aspiration for cultural enrichment. Recognizing the value of exposure to fresh perspectives and innovative practices, the organisation sought an artist who epitomised the essence of intercultural dialogue to invigorate their artistic community. When the organisation stumbled upon the opportunity provided by the ALF for cross-cultural mobility, they seized the chance to partner with a like-minded civil society group in Egypt, setting the stage for Omar’s journey to Slovenia.

Following the acceptance of the proposal, Omar found himself in Ptuj, a world away from Egypt but united with the Slovenian artists through the universal language of art. The workshops led by Omar transcended mere skill-building, offering the Slovenian artists a transformative experience that broadened their perception of cultural diversity. This collaborative exchange not only enriched Omar’s artistic practice but also reinforced his belief in the unifying potential of art across borders, demonstrating how creative expression can forge lasting connections and profound dialogues among individuals from disparate backgrounds. The narrative underscores the profound impact that international collaborations in the arts can have in fostering inclusive, empathetic communities and effecting enduring change.

Egypt and Slovenia

Bridging Cultures Through Art

In Casablanca, Morocco, an innovative art centre was working hard to create opportunities for social inclusion, despite having limited resources. The members believed in the power of art to bring people together and were eager to find partnerships that could help them build artistic bridges and support their community’s growth.

Meanwhile, across the Mediterranean in Bari, Italy, another art centre was focused on promoting dance, not only in Italy but also internationally. They had showcased performances across Europe and were now looking to connect with artistic voices from the southern Mediterranean to bring fresh perspectives to their work.

One day, as the Moroccan centre members searched online for opportunities, they found exactly what they needed: a mobility programme that supported collaborations between civil society organisations in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Excited by the possibility, they submitted an inspiring project proposal to partner with the art centre in Bari.

Their dream soon became reality. An artistic residency was organised in Bari, with a special focus on raising awareness about gender equality. The project brought together organisations working to support women who had experienced violence and human trafficking, using art to highlight important social issues.

This exchange proved that when organisations come together across borders, they can create powerful change, using creativity to inspire understanding and support for vulnerable communities.

Morocco and Italy

Creating Change Through Art

In the vibrant city of Espoo, Finland, an organisation focused on integrating Arabs into Finnish society was working with the government to combat domestic violence within the local Arab community. Seeking deeper cultural insights on gender equality, they wanted to learn from civil society groups in Arab countries that were tackling gender-based violence.

In Giza, Egypt, an NGO dedicated to improving society through awareness and partnerships was advocating for women’s and youth’s rights. Recognising that their experience could help address similar issues in Arab diaspora communities, the NGO saw an opportunity for collaboration. Through the ALF Network, the Finnish organisation connected with the Egyptian NGO, and together they submitted a proposal to exchange experiences on combating domestic violence. After selection, the two groups met in Giza, sharing strategies and knowledge to strengthen their efforts in preventing violence and promoting gender equality.

Egypt and Finland

Strengthening Partnerships for Equality

In Ramallah, Palestine, a local visual arts centre hosted intercultural artist residencies, bringing together Palestinian and Euro-Mediterranean art students. At the same time, students from a renowned visual arts school in Brussels, Belgium, prepared to travel to Ramallah to immerse themselves in Palestinian art, teaching methods and creative expression.

Thanks to a long-standing partnership between the two institutions through ALFinMOTION, European and Palestinian artists collaborated. Together, they created paintings and installations through joint workshops, fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange through the power of art.