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 realise just how important it is to build meaningful
connections with others involved in these kinds of artistic activites. 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)