A NEW TCFT PROJECT FINALLY TOOK PLACE IN KOSOVO AND IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WITH PARTICIPANTS FROM MANY COUNTRIES AND REALITIES.

FREEDOM IS PARTICIPATION IN POWER!

A SPACE FOR CREATION & COLLABORATION

The Complete Freedom of Truth project has created the space to meet artists and youth activists. Since connecting to the people and the places we have inhabited, I am inspired creatively and have continued to develop modes of working introduced through the project. I feel that the project leaves a lasting impression on the places we visit and the people we connect with.

As a result of this project, I now have an international network of people that embrace inviting me into new projects and processes. As part of my ongoing exploration between the relationship of improvised music and dance, I have returned to Portland to continue developing this practice with Beats Across Borders, who are one of the partners involved in The Complete Freedom of truth project. After being commissioned by the B-side festival to perform, create music, and facilitate workshops, Beats Across Borders approached me to continue our experiment with music and movement.  This opportunity gave me performance platforms and time and space to develop my practice alongside them. It has also been successful in inviting more people to observe and take part in the arts in areas that aren’t usually exposed to contemporary dance and music production working in a partnership.

My experiences as part of The Complete Freedom of Truth project have enabled me to connect with international artists and people and has been instrumental in my development as a young person and an artist. It has taught me about how to create and collaborate in a safe space. It has taught me about facilitation and how to approach working in a space saturated with many different people, with different backgrounds and experiences. Overall, I value the space for conversations the project created, and I have long lasting friends and a support network that I remain in contact with as a result of this project.

 Although the interest and drive to continue collaborations and relationships built through this project exists, the effects of Brexit and the withdrawal of Erasmus funding would create barriers for the continuation of this. Although distance separates a lot of the participants, the faith in the project’s continuation helps people avoid feeling alienated.  Erasmus has been so successful in supporting projects like this to reach out to young people who have been nourished creatively and emotionally and I would love to see its continued support.

- Shared by Zoe

Day time

For me personally I learnt a few interesting things about music, and how we would use music as a warmup as well to deliver your voice and what you want to tell others.

Having a lawyer, who was a journalist before, who was interested in refugees’ matters, it is really useful for us to hear that we are supported and stood by others.

I also learnt other things like Parkour, gardening, and poetry, and not to forget the reflection time and how important it is to check what you learnt and felt during the activities.

Finally, the fun time we had games, chit-chat conversations, and even clowning, all these have helped me to feel welcome and one of them.

Evening time

In the evenings’ time we had a really good time. We enjoyed the food together. I made salad and helped in the kitchen at dinner time. And parties in the evenings ......etc

- Shared by Mohammed

TISSUE PAPER

Together we pull out tissue paper

sherbet like and soft

stroking our hands until they fall

aside but not alone

still with us

as we get to praline middle

of gifts that enlighten our faces

sharing in tasty beauty

we all need,

we feel it together

the taste on our tongues

gift in our fingers

pouring from the middle

still pumping hot

from inside, not alone,

none of us fall without someone

to soften us

with tissue paper

- Poem shared by Shaniqua

- shared by Mia

WEEK IN PORTLAND

It was a lovely week in Portland Island. I gained a brilliant experience last week. I learnt how a song was produced and I shared with other people to create a song which contains words from different languages.

I discovered myself by doing some activities, which I hadn't tried before. For example, I played guitar and drums. I didn’t expect that I would enjoy playing music and that encouraged me now to take a course to learn how to play guitar professionally.

It was the first time for me to meet people from diverse cultures. I learnt to accept and listen to people who have a different thought than me. How beautiful it is to be different and respect and listen to others.

I had amazing conversations with people from (Spain, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Italy). By discussing, I recorrected misunderstandings about these countries that made me feel how TV and social media affect our minds and they convey to us just what they want us to know.

I learnt how to do meditation. It was the first time for me to do meditation. I learnt how to breathe when I feel anxious or angry. Honestly, I didn’t believe that meditation is useful but now, I am pretty sure that meditations are essential and useful.

I visited a magnificent garden. The gardener showed us a variety of plants, some of them just grown in Portland.

I met people from LGBT community, and I discussed with them about this community. I know information about them which helps me to understand and accept this community.

- Shared by Adnan

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

First of all, I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of an unforgettable experience.

For me, participating in such a format was a very important step. At first I hesitated to apply for participation because it was something new and I didn't know how I would fit in such a large group of people but from the first moment when I met some of you in Termokiss (Prishtine) I felt the uniqueness of the whole group. Then the residency in Portland was incredible.

What touched my heart the most during this experience with TCFT was the energy and dedication of the people to give the best for all the participants.

Workshops, music, dancing, smiles and tears were part of each of us at every moment, and what was important was the sense of presence and belonging that I personally always felt and it seemed that we were a big family or that we knew each other for a long time.

The feelings I experienced during the time when we were creating songs, dancing and enjoying the beauty of nature with everyone have left the biggest traces in my heart and mind, becoming the most beautiful experience of my life.

...and every day I find myself taking from the experience with TCFT or practicing in everyday life some of the things we did in this program.

Infinitely grateful to TCFT and all the wonderful people I have met with whom we have established connections and continue to contact from time to time.

I really hope to have the opportunity to participate in other programs at TCFT.

- Shared by Egzona

SKY TIME

Who are those that endlessly cry into the dark

which beyond time thickens with richness

all experience ends with time.

Always time.

Sky comes into the brain,

hooking up lightness with clouds,

clouds and space, ways to feel,

otherwise all black

open and closed, with time.

To think and feel mountains of hope and space,

mind and thought without end,

brain floating in open process,

sinks and drains and forethought

aplenty, always.

So to names, names of everything,

all opening out into sky,

sky, rain, house, pain,

reminding me of Bosnia, home

at the heart.

Finding freedom in places with less

than the need for freedom,

obsessed, oppressed, endless thoughts,

the drums sound deeper, and we sink,

heaviness fills the breath, forever.

- Shared by Tina

CREATIVE PLAYLIST - PORTLAND BOUNCE

REFLECTIONS FROM KRAN (KENT REFUGEE ACTION NETWORK)

It took us around 4:30 hours to go from Canterbury to Portland. I was the one who was driving, so it is my responsibility to ensure our safety as we travel. The people welcomed us when we arrived in the late afternoon, about 9pm. The early arrivals and we had dinner together. We had a great conversation and got to know each other. We had to leave early to give the majority of people time to rest after the long journey. They had around four to six different kinds of accommodation, but everyone had to walk quite a distance to the place where everyone gathered in the morning.

Commons land

What is Common Land was the focus of our first morning's introductions and introductions to everyone, followed by our topic for the day. Three guests are present as we discuss it. Anita Sethi, a journalist, and the author of "I Belong Here," Hypolit Ntigurirwa, a Rwanda, based artist and peace ambassador, and Alexa DeFeranti, a farming woman. Learning about our shared territory and sense of belonging was incredibly fascinating. I had no idea that agriculture occupied 40% of UK land. I belong here by Anita Sethi was written by the author, who also shared her experiences with us. Hppolite Ntigurirwa (Peace Ambassador) invited us on a trip through a grave to listen to the silence after sharing his experience. Also, Share with us about the experience of surviving Tutsi's death in 1994, when he was just 7 years old. Exploring what makes our common space and where we feel at home.

Meeting people from various backgrounds was a fantastic experience for me. At the residence, there were people from the UK, Ukraine, Finland, Croatia, Italy, Denmark, and Bosnia. The opportunities for deep conversion and for learning from them. We had the chance to talk with everyone about their organizations, hear how they got involved in the project, and hear what they had to say to us. I speak on my own behalf to talk about the British immigration system. There were numerous events over the entire week, including song writing, music, business ideas, leadership, going on walks, art, and visual art. We had a great time learning and were really active every day.

Refugee week

The day of the refugee week began with an active session in the morning. and we had two guests, one of whom came to talk about her work and some of the difficulties faced by refugees. Additionally, there was a lady who spoke about painting and taught us the value of art as well as how to express emotions through art. We created a poem and original music during the day. Everything was done in a free-form manner, and it took place by the beach and on top of fish and chips building on top from which you could view the entire sea. where there are stunning views. It was simply beyond amazing.

“My Eritrea”

Normally, we all met up in the late afternoon and sat down to discuss the day. After that, I made the decision to tell the group my story. I presented to the group my previously prepared poem, "My Eritrea." I gave the poetry to someone who could read it for us because it was so deep and very personal to me. Part of the story is my journey from my home country, the challenges I faced when I was 14 years old, my arrival in the UK after a year and a half, and my experiences while living there. There were so many tries and people leaving. However, I get a lot of supportive messages, and people have come to see me and tell me, "Well done, you did it."

Feedback about my Story

Reflection

I discovered myself throughout that truly great week and learned a lot about accepting others as they are. I've never meditated, but this week it taught me how to speak to myself and listen to silence. Doing Clawing was excellent for getting strangers to introduce ourselves in the manner of such song acting. Was helpful to learn how to communicate by smiling without using your lips or speaking. With the use of music, dance, and fantastic acting that expressed feelings without using words. Our discussion of Belong Everyone shares the places they feel they belong and don't belong. BBQs, parties, and beach outings provide us the chance to spend time with one another and create lasting memories. Feels like a short week towards the conclusion.

- Shared by Daniel

WHEN IT’S SUNNY

When it’s sunny, I’ll find freedom again

my smile loosed from shackles

of bondage that comes

from shades of slate

slapping across my face,

done with it.

When it’s sunny, scales will fall

from my body, shedding stiffness

that constricts my bones

wanting to shimmy and

shake unconscious,

not break.

When it’s sunny, my legs will leap

from puddles into crisp grass

shuffling and skanking

as if tomorrow won’t come

and today won’t end

and yesterday isn’t a thing.

- Shared by Shaniqua

REFLECTIONS ON TCFT 2022

As a company specialising in work with (at-risk) communities of young people internationally, TCFT has played a really important part in the development of our company, our networks and projects. What we think is amazing about TCFT is that it provides a place in which really important issues can be discussed, explored, reflected upon and faced, by a really diverse group of young people and artists, and that art is the vehicle by which this exploration takes place.

It is essential that we hear other people's stories, that we encounter each other's cultures and lived experiences, that we recognise our commonality and address together the numerous issues which collectively we face. This has to be done sensitively, with appropriate support, expertise, and space for individuals to explore, grow, and change. Sometimes this turns into a song, sometimes into laughter, often a shared meal, often a sharing of responses in different forms, sometimes to tears, and always to friendships. It was a particular pleasure for us to bring one of our performances; On The Strandline to Portland this year, and to introduce our Emergent Ensemble of early-career artists to so many like-minded creative young people. 

- Shared by Miranda Henderson, Alister O'Loughlin & The Urban Playground Team

- Images shared by Molly & Zoe

First day

It was an introduction day and I have met so many great people from different places.

Second day

We started with a warmup, where we sang and moved all together, which improved communication and public speaking skills. I have also been interviewed about my experience in the TCFT and how have I been part of it. I have spoken about what we do in KRAN, and how did I get involved in this project, and I have shared my great experience, and how I have learnt so much from the great people I was surrounded by.

Third day

I had the chance to play some parkour and I really liked it and a guy called Tim made me understand about my body limit.

Fourth day

We started the day with a similar warm up and we had a talk with a lawyer about the refugee. I have asked why there is so much delay with the refugee and asylum seekers papers. And we headed to the parkour to spectate.

Fifth day

I have heard Daniel's story which really made me think about how the refugee and asylum seekers suffer, to have a proper shelter and find peace and run away from the war.

Sixth day

We have created a song which included so many words from different cultures, and I was part of this song. On the last day we had to share what we learned from this project.

Overall, I have learnt how to be respectful to others and other cultures and never believe what you see on social media. I have spoken with many people, and I was asking how to make the young people feel confident and safe. I have got so many answers and one of them was you must ensure that they are feeling welcomed, and they belong to the community. Also, we had a discussion on how the young people find peace, and the answer was in art.

In the end, I am really looking forward to using everything I have learnt to ensure that the young asylum seekers and refugees have the peace they have been looking for.

- Shared by Obaida

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

Whenever I am part of TCFT activity, it promises to be an intense, unique and beautifully special experience of learning you won’t get anywhere else. Transitioning from participant in 2015, to one of the facilitators/lead artists now, hasn’t changed that.

Following every TCFT residency, I come home changed and with a wider view of the world, enthused to make my mark somehow. Being in Pristina and Portland, as well as part time in Srebrenica and Bratunac, was no different. However, the world was different, making the TCFT experience different.

A global pandemic, lockdowns and the world stood still has impacted all of us, more than I think we have even fully realised. Anxieties are heightened, personalities have changed and social batteries have depleted. Spending a week of whole days into nights with a group of 40+ people felt like A LOT and I wondered how we used to do two weeks of this in the past.

We, like the rest of the world, needed to adapt and think about what TCFT would look like going forward. How can we integrate those with high social anxiety and alarmed by a large group of unknown people with care? How do we effectively convey the purpose of TCFT so participants and artists/facilitators understand what they’re involved in and what is expected of them, without pressure? How do we perfect the balance of organised chaos, routine and freedom?

These questions and more were raised throughout, which we built on from Pristina in April to Portland in June, but also struggled with in some ways. It’s a learning process and we were experiencing a lot of change, including new partners, lead artists, participants and locations. There were bound to be growing pains and that’s okay – it’s part of life and life isn’t perfect, just as TCFT isn’t perfect, no matter how amazing it is.

Seven years ago, taking part in this programme changed my life and now I want to be a bigger part of pouring into it, so I can give back some of the whole lot that was given to me. Whether that is through facilitation, empowering other participants to step up and take ownership, or offering the leadership and organisational skills I have built over the years.

TCFT brings communities and individuals together, transcends numerous barriers, and has a deep impact on lives, which I can say from personal experience as well as testimonials I’ve heard. This programme is doing the work our society needs, with the ripple effects being felt around the world. It should be better funded and supported, so it can be even better resourced and have more bodies putting in the work, because we cannot go on forever with heavy reliance on the phenomenal Tina – TCFT is about all of us. And more TCFT values would make the world a much lovelier place to live in.

My world is richer for it, especially because of the stunning souls I have been blessed to meet over these seven years. A number of my favourite people are from my TCFT family and more were added to that list this year. I cannot imagine my life without them and would usually spend these reflections focused on the many memories made with them.

However, to keep making memories, TCFT needs to continue to exist and that means some good thinking into how we make that happen, especially with the cut to Erasmus funding after the atrocity that was Brexit. I hope others will get the chance to meet and know the beautiful people I hold in my heart through future TCFT activity, because this programme still has plenty of life.

- shared by Shaniqua

Creative playlist - pristina BOUNCE

I AM WOMAN - women’s anthem

Chorus

My body, my rule

My curves show, my truth

No clothes, no truce

To live is to be

But I am WOMAN

Mia’s Verse

I can climb

Rise so rough, each step my own

Each breath crystal statement

Each voice echoes the one I own

I can become

Become the stars my hands don’t reach

Become my own ideas and dreams

An example I’ll claim to be

Rosie’s Verse

I come from

my mother's sorrow,

my daughter's courage

my son's compassion

I am

dancing barefoot in the rain,

singing untamed on the hilltops

swimming naked in cold waters

I come from

heartbreak anger and love

privilege, purpose and pain

I am

travelling, growing, connecting

I am human

I am woman

I am complete

I am

Shaniqua’s Verse

I be more than curves coated in milk chocolate,

see this waterfall of words washing over others with calm.

I be fertile I assume but I’m not your land to colonise,

my spicy sauce is not sex for your mouth.

I be a tender lightning bolt in all shades of midnight and dawn,

everything that isn’t the voiceless silhouette you want me to be.

Chorus

My body, my rule

My curves show, my truth

No clothes, no truce

To live is to be

But I am WOMAN

Zoe’s Verse

I will unapologetically thrive

I will exist without withdrawal

I will challenge those that oppress me

I will own my body

I will speak and be heard

I will not be dismissed

Emma’s Verse

Jeg er kvinde

Jeg er bange

For hvad nu hvis?

Jeg er ikke forkert 

Jeg er misforstået

Ku jeg blive slået?

SKAL det være sådan her?

For jeg gider ikke mere

Bobby’s Verse

Womb WOMG

Wandering womb

Womb in my womb

Womb in my guts

Gutsy womb.

Molly’s Verse

I am me

I take up space

I am loud and large and bigger than life itself

I am my whole body

And I take up the space

I am beauty, I am fat, I am grace

Chorus

My body, my rule

My curves show, my truth

No clothes, no truce

To live is to be

But I am WOMAN