Crossing Paths: My journey at the Final TIP Meeting in Thessaloniki
Walking into the final Theatre in Palm meeting in Thessaloniki, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was the last meeting of the project, but for me, it was also the first. I had never met most of the people involved before, and I knew many of them had been working together for quite some time. I was trying to catch up on the dynamics and themes that hadn’t been part of my own preparations, unsure of how I would fit in or whether I’d be able to contribute meaningfully. But those worries quickly faded. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with warmth and openness. I managed to connect with so many people, and the conversations, both formal and informal, made me feel not only included but genuinely inspired.
First of all, just three months ago, I had no idea I would end up in Greece. But somehow, the circumstances brought me here, and I’m so grateful they did. It was such a gift to be surrounded by people who are truly passionate about what they do, and that passion was felt in every part of the meeting. What really resonated with me was the sense of community that developed so naturally. The discussions weren’t just about the outputs of the project – they were about what we were all contributing to on a deeper level. It became clear that each individual story and effort was part of something much larger – a collective movement within the arts, built across countries, disciplines, and experiences. The diversity of the group added richness to every conversation, and it reminded me just how powerful it is when we come together with a shared purpose.
Being part of TIP, even just for this final gathering, reminded me how important it is to nurture collaboration in our field. It was amazing to see how much care went into even the smallest details, and how much value was placed on listening, reflecting, and celebrating everyone’s contributions. I left Thessaloniki feeling completely refreshed, energised, creatively inspired, and truly hopeful about the kind of impact we can make when we work together.
Highlight no1
One of the most important aspects of the Thessaloniki meeting was the warm hospitality and thoughtful organization by our host, CUBE. From the very beginning, they created a welcoming environment that was not only professionally smooth but also deeply personal and human.
CUBE also made sure we were well taken care of with delicious meals and excellent restaurant recommendations that helped us enjoy the local flavors of Greece.
Their attention to detail and warmth made us all feel at home, even though many of us were meeting for the first time. It didn’t feel like a standard project meeting, it felt like a celebration, a gathering of friends and colleagues who care deeply about what they do. Their thoughtful planning and generosity made it possible for everyone to be fully present and engaged. Without a doubt, CUBE’s efforts played a key role in making this final TIP meeting truly unforgettable.
Highlight no2 – Connections
One of the most powerful moments for me was when everyone contributed to the big brown paper. As I stepped back and looked at it from a distance, I could see this incredible mosaic taking shape, each individual contribution was a thread in a much bigger, shared story. It really hit me how every single activity, no matter how small it seemed, was part of a much larger picture. All these separate moments and efforts were weaving together into something beautiful across Europe. What brought this feeling of connection to life for me was when I saw a familiar name of an artist from another EU project I’m involved in. It was a reminder of how, even though the world can feel so big and full of endless possibilities, in the arts, and especially in projects like this, people always find their way to each other. It was a moment that made me realize just how important it is to build meaningful connections with others involved in these kinds of artistic activates. It’s not just about networking, it’s about truly understanding how our individual paths are all connected. Each presentation brought these little moments of connection, some more personal, thank-you speeches that shared the heart of the journey, and others were more detailed, diving deep into the work put in. I really appreciated the variety, because it made everything feel more human. It wasn’t just a series of presentations, but real stories and reflections from people who were passionate about the work they had done and the impact it had.
But more than anything, what made this event unforgettable was the undeniable sense of community that was brought into every session. It wasn’t just about presenting results, it was about sharing the experience of being part of something larger than ourselves. Even though we came from different places, backgrounds, and perspectives, there was this shared passion, a warmth that filled the room, and I could really feel how we were creating something much bigger than we could have alone.
Laura Filipović (ETFI)
