Arts Lab 7.0: Marah Isnaf | Month IV

This period was full of festive moments, cultural exploration.

We began with a visit to the Christmas Market, enjoying the winter atmosphere, public celebrations, and the everyday cultural life of the city. This was followed by a visit to the Pro-Roma Organization, where we learned more about their ongoing work, advocacy, and the importance of Rroma-led initiatives. This visit offered both factual insight into their activities and a deeper understanding of the social realities they engage with.

We also participated in a Christmas event at Trinitas, which created a warm and welcoming space for connection beyond the formal structure of the program. Revealing the Secret Santa became an unexpectedly powerful moment of bonding, reminding us how simple, playful interactions can strengthen trust and group cohesion.

The Solstițiu Fire Night stood out as one of the most memorable experiences. It was chaotic, fun, silly, and cold — yet we fully committed to it. What could have been just a symbolic ritual turned into a shared release, filled with laughter and collective energy. This moment showed how embracing play and imperfection can open emotional space and deepen connections within the group.

During this period, we also visited the Museum of Contemporary Art, where we engaged with contemporary practices and discussed how art can reflect identity, social questions, and transformation. These discussions contributed to our understanding of how creative expression can function as both reflection and dialogue.

After these activities, a two-week vacation period took place, during which I traveled to Germany. This break was important on a personal level, allowing time for rest, inspiration, and emotional recharge. Returning to Romania, I felt more grounded and motivated to fully engage in the residency process.

Upon return, we held the Romanian Cultural Night, which was interactive, joyful, and community-oriented. Sharing food, stories, and traditions helped strengthen group relationships and reinforced the value of cultural exchange as a lived, participatory experience rather than a formal presentation.

We then officially began the residency. The first day was calm, fun, and emotionally productive, creating a safe and gentle environment that encouraged openness. The second day continued in a similarly relaxed and supportive tone, focusing more deeply on Romani culture and collective reflection around the question “What is home to you?” This conversation revealed personal stories, memories, and emotional connections, highlighting how themes of home, belonging, and identity resonate strongly across different backgrounds. On the third day of the residency, we focused on educational methodology, and it was genuinely really good — clear, grounded, and useful for the work ahead. During that day, a Roma grandmother asked me if I was married and told me that I am beautiful. That small moment stayed with me; it reminded me so much of our grandmothers in Arab culture — the same warmth, curiosity, and way of showing care through simple words.

I feel deeply thankful that this residency, especially this time, feels truly safe — emotionally and relationally — and that the energy between us and the kids is balanced, respectful, and calm. This sense of mutual trust makes the work feel lighter and more meaningful at the same time.

This monthly report was written by Marah Isnaf, our Palestinian volunteer taking part in a seven-month Arts Lab 7.0 mobility, co-funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps.