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Description
Art is a reflection of every society. It is a reflection (GENDAL''IPEN in Roma language) of the world as we see it or we wish to see it. It has the power to define, preserve and communicate individual ideas and collective cultural codes. Cultural (including artistic) representation plays an important role in building ethnic (or other) identity, identity and self-esteem of the individual. Throughout history, artists have exercised their creative power to define themselves through art and create self-determination that reveals them and their respective society in the best possible light. For centuries, stereotypes and prejudices have had a negative impact on the position of the Roma and their culture and art. Roma art has been excluded from the mainstream for many centuries, misunderstood, simplified, and its artists have often been pushed to the background.
The aim of this project is to support Roma artists in their creation and presentation of professional Roma contemporary art through various activities and thus to show that Roma contemporary art and its artists wish to be seen and heard and that they have their full place in (not only Czech) culture and society.
The project will carry out trainings for young Roma in the field of cultural management, entrepreneurship and technical skills, support artistic creation and enable them and other artists to present their art (art, music, dance, literary, alternative works and performances, etc.) at important cultural events for the general and professional public. Visitors will be informed about these events through media, social networks, websites, etc. The events will take place in the Czech Republic (mainly at the World Festival of Roma Culture – Khamoro in Prague, but also in other cities of the CR), Norway and Iceland. We will support 23 artists in their work, realize 57 cultural events for the public in cooperation with 652 artists for 70 500 visitors from the CR, Iceland and Norway.
Summary of project results
The Gendalipen project primarily helped Roma artists create their own works of art,which they could then present through this project.It also helped young Roma to further their education in cultural management.The main challenge we had to face in this project was the Covid 19 pandemic,because of which some of the activities had to be moved to a later date or took place in an online environment.We found out that by taking place online,some of the activities had a greater reach among the audience.
The project started with the creation of artworks, performances, street art performances, etc., which then continued to be presented in various art events. Two books were published - a comprehensive monograph of Romani literature and a poetry collection, and under the name E phuv - Earth, 2 street art performances were created. At the same time, however, we did not neglect our professional activities either - the training of young Roma in cultural management and the training of Roma writers from the Paramisara club were gradually taking place. The theater group from Rokycan came to life and created a new play called Djelem Djelem. As part of the presentation of Romani art, the Khamoro Festival took place in the project in 2021, 2022 and 2023. We also organized educational programs such as the Summer School of Romani Music and the International Conference of Romani Art.
As part of the entire project, a total of 1163 artists in different fields of art were supported. A total of 71 participants were trained in the professional program of the project, and approximately 190,000 visitors visited the organized public events. During the project, we had to respond to various situations that were happening worldwide (covid19, the war in Ukraine). For example, the beneficial a concert to help Ukrainian Roma or regular meetings with Roma refugees from Ukraine
The intention of this project was to support Romani artists in their creation and presentation of professional Romani art and thereby show that Romani art and its artists enjoy being seen and heard and that they have their rightful place in culture and society. We are already seeing significant progress, especially from the majority society, which mostly saw Romani culture only as Romani music.
Summary of bilateral results
Working with partners within the Gendaľipen project was a very important part, when Roma artists from the Czech Republic got the opportunity to represent themselves abroad, specifically in Norway and Iceland. The project partners were very actively involved in joint cooperation. Specifically, in Iceland, we would like to highlight the importance of cooperation, since a large number of adopted Roma children from the Czech Republic and Slovakia live here, and since our Icelandic partner was closely connected to these children, they participated in our events and thus had the opportunity to get to know their own culture more closely.As part of the partnership with an Icelandic partner, final beneficiary really achieved great results in presenting Romani art to the Icelandic population, international students, but also Romani children who were adopted from the Czech Republic by Icelandic parents. Furthermore, final beneficiary wants to continue to work closely with both partners, especially in the field of Romani literature.