Arts Lab 7.0: Mohamed Eddaif | Month IV - Back to Work

This month, it felt like a return to a familiar rhythm, the cold, the snow, the routine, but with new people, a new energy. After the holidays, things returned to normal, but not quite, as we encountered new people, had new ideas, and made new goals, as well as small dreams. By the middle of the project, we were learning to know each other, the good and the bad, and this made even ordinary days feel full. We returned to our play, which always seems to bring us together, a big stage, a new audience, and a mix of nerves and excitement, which made each show feel like the first time. Each show was a learning experience, each error made the next one better. Then, came my favorite part, the case study on the history and culture of the Rroma people. This felt alive, as we encountered the Roma people on the street, in stores, even in schools where we have our activities, which made our research feel real. This was a big difference compared to our last project, which was on the history and culture of the Jews in Romania, where we didn’t encounter anyone directly.

I also had the opportunity to teach at a school for visually impaired kids in Moldova with Andres. This was also a very empowering experience. I rediscovered my love for music and guitar. I want to get good at it. I also had the opportunity to try out a 3D printer for the first time. Although one of my prints failed because of the way the printer heated up, I was able to save the day with one of the models I had been working on. This was very rewarding and useful.

We had Romanian language lessons and cultural nights organized by our colleagues. This was very enlightening. I also had the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. This was a very empowering experience. I know I will be able to hold on to these connections. This was a month of cold weather and warm moments. I was learning, doing, and discovering things I want to continue with.

This monthly report was written by Mohamed Eddaif, our Moroccan volunteer taking part in a six-month Arts Lab 7.0 mobility, co-funded by the European Union under the European Solidarity Corps.