The training course The Rhythm of Europe was conducted in Asturias, Spain, from 23 to 31 July 2022 as part of the Music Moving Youth project of the Spanish cultural association Dayuri funded through the Erasmus+ Programme.
The main goal of the course was to deliver training on European programmes that can be a source of funding for cultural and musical activities to provide the music sector (and the cultural sector in general) with new alternatives to overcome the crisis resulting from COVID-19.
Here we are sharing the reflections received from the Bulgarian participants.
Nedko Boyanov
During the project in Oviedo, I had the opportunity to meet talented individuals who also had inspiring ideas about creating festivals and musical projects in their local communities. The training was informative and gave me valuable information about the large spectrum of funding programs Europe provides. We dwelled in the Creative Europe funding programme, and I learned the details and the basics of how to write my project.
I could make good connections with the coordinators of the Italian and Turkish teams and develop a network through which we can partner together. The hostel was fantastic, the accommodation was perfect, and the food fulfilled our needs. We also experienced the traditional Asturian culture and heritage, which was a fuel of inspiration for us. Not only that but the facilitators were supportive and flexible in delivering us the most rewarding experience.
The mix between learning and doing was on point and we fully discovered the culturally significant city of Oviedo with a tourist guide, and the marvellous beach side of Gijon was the cherry on the whole experience. The friends I have made, the possibilities I have discovered, and the partnerships I have developed will stay with me forever.
Maria Atanasova
The Rhythm of Europe was the first Erasmus+ project in which I participated. Because of that, the experience will always be special to me, and I will cherish the good memories gathered during the period.
My application for the project was related to my recent university graduates in the field of Cultural Studies (translated as Culture Science or Science of Culture). Knowledge about European institutions and programs was covered during my studies but never in the same way it was presented by Dayuri Asociación Cultural and its co-facilitators – it was interactive, attention-grabbing, attractive and last but not least real fun. The most valuable knowledge for me was the way the European funding works, especially the different programs focussing on culture. The presenters and facilitators demonstrated their proficiency in the subject they presented. They were always open to the questions of the trainees and could answer everyone. Their levels of professionalism and dedication to their work field were incredibly inspiring for me.
And last but not least – the infrastructure and logistics were incredibly well organised, the conditions were beyond the Bulgarian standards (the residence, which hosted us was built only 8 months ago, it was clean, fresh, the food was good and diverse, there was a big terrace we could enjoy with the other participant and get to know each other better, etc). The hosting organisation had prepared in advance several outings in the centre and two nearby cities, as well. We were introduced to the traditional regional cuisine, music, dances, everyday practices etc. We took organised guided tours throughout the city, we visited the ethnographic museum, etc. As a result, now, I have developed a passion for the Spanish language and music.
There is much more to be said, but words cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this experience and the fact I have had the chance to meet these incredible people – the hosting organisation, the facilitators and the other participants, as well. I hope we’ll work together again in the future and we’ll keep connected.
Gabriela Grigorova
First of all, I want to say how grateful I am for being part of a project related to Music. I have been searching for such a project for a year, but there were not any projects, or at least very rarely, about music.
What I have learned from this project are the essential lessons that I am starting to incorporate into my life. First of all, to be more confident, since I saw some people singing in a non-professional way but they were still confident, and they enjoyed it. And the good thing is that they tried to become better at it. Thanks to the amazing vocal coach that Tanya introduced us to.
The second lesson is to start surrounding myself with people who love music, singing and playing an instrument because I felt life meaningful and, in particular, I was genuinely happy. During this Erasmus + project, I met the most kind-hearted people who do not judge you for anything they laughed and sang with you. They appreciate your goodness and a positive mindset. Nowadays, it’s hard to find people who would value these two qualities.
This is my favourite Erasmus + project because of the people involved, the topic and the cultural places the organisers led us to and the programme. What I did not find useful was the first part of the TC. It included too much time dedicated to the same question, that we needed to answer – like two days in a row. This is not only my opinion, unfortunately. I am so sorry to say even one negative thing because I am so grateful to the Spanish team for the organisation, to the facilitators, Tanya, and Mirtha! They are more than amazing! In 2019, I was on a project about Personal Development, and I thought I had the best days in my life from that experience, now I will add the days from The Rhythm of Europe project to my best ones!