Arts Lab 7.0: Annalisa Schettino | Month VI

The most meaningful and impactful event of this month was the mid-term event we had in București. I found the city very interesting, quite different from the European capitals I have visited before. It has a discreet charm, covered by a grayish palette that gives it a certain sober elegance. I spent the first day visiting museums, almost to the point of exhausting myself, but it was definitely worth it. In the modern art museum, I found the sculpture section particularly interesting, especially discovering more about Brâncuși’s pre-abstract phase, when he used to work in Rodin’s workshop. Those works really impressed me. The contemporary art museum inside the Parliament Palace was also unique for its peculiar approach to the exhibition space. The endless stairway decorated with street art was an entertaining and creative experience.

The next day we got to the heart of the mid-term activities. It was so enjoyable to meet new international people coming from all corners of Romania. Seeing new faces felt refreshing. Our conversations were very enlightening, as we shared our projects and discussed what brought each of us from distant countries to join the ESC in Romania. The opportunities for socializing during the breaks were numerous, and every interaction felt stimulating. I was surprised by myself, because during this project my social batteries have become much more durable than before. The discussion about the motivation curve was particularly relevant, as we realized that, despite our different experiences, we all share similar challenges and obstacles. Those moments of sharing were truly emotional, and we connected very quickly even though we spent only three days together. We also spent our free time together, joining karaoke during the evenings. I had so much fun, and we shared many funny moments that made the București experience even more memorable.

The last day of our stay in the capital was accompanied by bittersweet feelings. It was sad to say goodbye to those people. We spent the last hours relaxing in the park, slowly waiting for the time to leave while enjoying the view of the lake. That same night we took the plane, as our next adventure was already waiting for us. We spent our free days together in Budapest. The atmosphere of the city felt completely different from București. Walking there felt like stepping into a living postcard. It was my second time visiting the city, but this time I had the opportunity to discover its nightlife, which truly impressed me. The clubs were astonishing; entering them felt like stepping into a lucid dream or even a psychedelic movie. Our walks along the Danube, in Buda and on Margaret Island, were both inspiring and meditative. Those places struck me with a sense of wonder. The time we spent together in the thermal baths was also so important, as it helped us recharge our mental energy before returning to Târgu Frumos. After five months of living and working together, choosing to spend our holidays as a group is a clear sign of how strong our bond has become.

The following weeks were harder to process. I must admit that my motivation was not at its peak, but our work schedule resumed as usual. We researched the Cucuteni topic, visited the museum in Iași, and started working on our personal projects. It feels unreal that we have reached the fourth topic of Arts Lab 7.0. It has been such a long and fascinating journey, and looking back at how far we have come feels quite nostalgic. One of the most peculiar events we organized in the community during this period was the Forum Theatre session we performed with the children in the village of Cristești. It is through activities like this that I feel we can leave a small but meaningful impact on the lives of young people here.

At the same time, the month of Ramadan started. Even though it is something completely new for me, it created new opportunities for sharing, connecting, and enjoying meals together in a cheerful atmosphere.

During the weekend, I went to the cinema in Iași with Andrés to watch Amadeus, a movie from the 1980s that I have already seen several times. However, it was nice to share the experience with someone who was watching it for the first time. I am trying to appreciate every opportunity I have to visit Iași, because those walks help me recharge my motivation before a new week begins with its challenges.

On Tuesday we had the Cucuteni exhibition. The kids really enjoyed the activities and were quickly drawn in by our positive energy. We tried to enjoy ourselves as much as possible, even improvising small performances, which I believe is an essential element when working with young people and keeping them engaged.

The end of this project is becoming more and more tangible, and the whole group can feel it, even though everyone is coping with it in different ways. From my perspective, I am trying to enjoy the time that is left as much as possible, pushing away unnecessary negative thoughts. With the emotions project we have entered the final phase of Arts Lab 7.0, and planning the next month brings mixed feelings. At least warmer weather is approaching, and spring will give us more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities together.

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