Arts Lab 6.0: Salah Mehdaoui - Month 3

During the residency, I worked closely with the youth at Petru Rareș. They were full of energy and creativity, which made every session exciting. Together, we explored Romanian traditions and worked on projects that combined art and storytelling.

I divided the youth into two groups, and each group focused on a different activity.

The first group worked on drawing. They made illustrations inspired by Romanian traditions and used layered drawing techniques to create a custom book. Each page told a story about the country’s heritage. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish the book, but watching them work so hard and feel proud of their results was a special experience.

The second group focused on photography. After learning basic skills, they practiced taking photos through outdoor photoshoots. We decided to photograph traditional Romanian costumes, especially the ones worn during Anul Nou and Mărțișor celebrations. The students captured the bright colors and detailed patterns of these outfits beautifully. It was amazing to see them so focused and excited about their work.

Beyond the creative sessions, I bonded with the students in a meaningful way. Each of them shared their dream jobs and plans for the future, which made me feel more connected to them. One of my favorite memories was when we took a trip to a nearby forest. We traveled there in cars, and it was a day filled with laughter, fun, and lots of photos. These moments made me look forward to every session with them, as their enthusiasm and positivity were truly inspiring.

This residency was not just about exploring skills; it also helped the students connect with their culture in creative ways. Their final work, including the photo sessions, showed their talent and hard work.

Later, we visited the Ruginoasa Cultural Center, which gave me an idea for my personal artwork. I decided to make a web app that showcases Romanian patterns and motifs. The app lets users explore different designs and learn what they mean. As part of the project, I also made it interactive. The app followed the alternative museum’s method of making art interactive by allowing users to create their own postcards and use motif-stamps.

November was also a time for cultural exchange. We had an Egyptian Night, where I experienced Egyptian food and traditions with the other volunteers. It was a fun evening with good food, music, and a chance to learn about a new culture.

Later, we held the MAF Caravan in Iași at Asociația Justiție pentru Minori. We split into teams and ran different workshops. I focused on taking photos of the volunteers and making videos for social media. The young people we worked with enjoyed the workshops, especially the singing sessions. It was nice to see them so engaged and happy.

In December, we had the MAF exhibition, where we showed all the work we had done. For my residency project, I displayed the photography sessions with the students at Petru Rareș. The photos highlighted traditional Romanian clothing and the stories behind them. For my personal project, I presented my web app. I included a recording of locals explaining the meanings of the motifs, which gave the project an authentic touch. The app was added to the organization’s website.

The exhibition had visitors from different areas, and it was rewarding to see them interested in our projects. Their positive feedback made all the effort worth it.

Overall, November and December were busy but meaningful months. From working with creative students to learning about new cultures and sharing our work with the public, it was an unforgettable experience. Even though it was stressful at times, the results and memories made it all worthwhile.

Report by Salah Mehdaoui, a volunteer from Algeria and one of the 14 participants in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.