Ripples of change – Creating a safe space for artistic exploration

Writer is Evanthia Stavrou, facilitator of CUBE`s residency

The residency organised by CUBE NGO in Thessaloniki opened with a welcoming session at CrafTopia Creative Hub, designed to introduce participants to one another and set the stage for an immersive journey into “Body, Flow, and Connection.” From the outset, the facilitator focused on establishing a safe and supportive environment. This space encouraged open dialogue, artistic expression, and respect for diverse viewpoints, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. By building trust and inclusivity, participants felt free to engage deeply with the residency’s themes, sharing personal insights and supporting one another’s creative processes.

Sharing personal objects to foster connection

Following the opening, participants were invited to share personal items they had brought with them—objects that held meaning in relation to their own artistic inquiries. These objects represented each artist’s journey, adding a personal dimension to the group’s exploration of body, flow, and identity. By sharing these items, participants connected their individual stories to the collective journey, sparking rich discussions about identity, memory, and movement. This activity laid the groundwork for a collaborative exchange, weaving personal experience into the residency’s thematic focus.

Week one: Embodied and environmental exploration

During the first week, participants delved into the residency’s themes through activities that bridged internal and external experiences. Midweek, they took to the streets of Thessaloniki with thematic prompts such as Water, Ripple, Ecofeminism, and Change, gathering impressions, sounds, and images as they moved through the city. This creative exploration culminated in an open-air Tai Chi session by the seafront, where participants physically engaged with the flow of water, aligning their bodies to its rhythm. They documented their reflections through photos, sketches, and recordings, merging personal insights with the external world. The day ended at the “Garden of Sand and the Garden of Water” near Makedonia Palace, where they meditated, synthesizing their inner experiences with the natural surroundings.

Exploring Thessaloniki’s art scene

A visit to the MOMus Museum added another layer to the creative process, inspiring participants with the exhibition “Photography Practices 1974-2024.” Each artist selected elements from the exhibition that resonated with the residency’s themes, sparking individual reflections that were later shared with the group. These exchanges enriched the residency’s collaborative atmosphere, enabling participants to draw from both personal and collective insights.

Throughout the week, participants continued exploring Thessaloniki, using themes like Water, Ripple, and Change to guide their journeys through the city. They engaged in sensory documentation, capturing images, sounds, and reflections. This exercise emphasized sensory engagement, encouraging participants to connect their internal perceptions with the city’s textures, sounds, and movements.

Physical and reflective practice by the sea

In a powerful conclusion to the first week, participants gathered for a Tai Chi session near the seafront. The gentle, flowing movements allowed them to connect deeply with their bodies, embodying the residency’s theme of “flow.” This exercise led naturally to further exploration along the waterfront, where participants continued to capture reflections through various media. Their journey concluded with meditation at the “Garden of Sand and the Garden of Water,” integrating the sensory, thematic, and personal elements experienced throughout the week.

Week two: Connecting creativity with community and broader themes

The second week shifted focus to how individual insights could ripple outward, affecting broader social and emotional connections. Through a series of discussions and creative exercises, participants began weaving together the creative and reflective inputs gathered in the first week.

An open discussion with performing artists Meryl Murman and professor Elena Stamatopoulou deepened the group’s understanding of contemporary art’s role in social change. This dialogue provided an opportunity to explore interdisciplinary collaboration and share perspectives on how art can engage with communities, sparking inspiration among participants on integrating social themes into their work.

Public presentation and reflection

As the residency neared its conclusion, participants shared their works-in-progress in a public performance. This showcase combined visual, musical, and performative elements, capturing the residency’s exploration of body, movement, and water. Audience feedback enriched the process, offering fresh perspectives that participants could incorporate into their ongoing creative practices.

You can watch the performance here:

Practical Guidance and Future Collaboration

In a final session, artists received practical training on navigating applications and securing funding opportunities. Led by Evita Stavrou, this workshop covered programs like EYE and Creative Europe and provided resources for future projects. Participants shared reflections and resources in a collaborative folder, supporting sustained connection and project development beyond the residency.

This residency offered a transformative experience, guiding participants through personal and thematic exploration and fostering both artistic growth and collaborative synergy. With resources and connections to support ongoing work, participants left the residency equipped to continue their creative journeys and bring their insights into broader artistic and community contexts.