What were we doing in Iceland?
When we landed in Reykjavík, we were greeted by the stunning volcanic landscape in the distance and the coolest people in the streets.
Participants of Colours of Being had traveled from across the Nordic region to Iceland's capital to explore their third and final theme, social sustainability. The local cultural center, Hitt Húsið, would now serve as the setting for three intense days.
The participants worked with the ‘viewpoints’ theory and with improv. As always, there was a mentor for the weekend, and this time we had the pleasure of being joined by Icelandic improv performer Pálmi Freyr Hauksson.
"The workshop with Pálmi was inspiring. We learned different principles and techniques from the improv world, and he was very generous and honest when telling us about his journey as a creative," participant Jakob Lundbye said.
Local engagement and new points of view
As always, there was an open call for local young artists to participate in the weekend sessions, and this time it was really exciting to have young Icelandic artists come and participate.
The open calls ensure local engagement and are a chance for young Nordic artists to meet and generate a deeper understanding of each other.
One of the project facilitators, Johanne Margrethe Lund, described her experience:
"I used to believe that we are very similar across the Nordic region, but I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of our differences! Additionally, it’s a way to broaden one’s perspective and open up one’s world. Personally, I now feel more empowered to explore or initiate more projects across national borders!"
Colours of Being aims to influence the political agenda by working performatively and workshop-based with three themes: gender, equality, and social sustainability.
The project has done workshops and interventions in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland.
The project ends in 2023 but will be followed by Colours of Being x Ung Kult in 2024.
Video: Paula Uspenski