Diamantesque

Twice a year, the Swinging Europe - The European Swing Network project partners meet in person in order to discuss the overall progress of the project which is co-funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission. The second meeting of this current 2022-2025 funding period took place in Barcelona, Spain, between 18-20/11/2022, hosted by Associacio Cultural Storyville project partners. ACS are organisers of BCN S**G Festival which is currently under the framework of the SEN2 project.

A co-working space called Apocapoc BCN in the area of El Poblenou hosted The European Swing Network’s meetings from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Thirty years ago, this northern area of Barcelona was revived due to the Olympic Games. «The Catalan Manchester» as it is also known for its history as an important industrial centre, it included production of oils, wines, textiles, metal and machinery during the Industrial Revolution. Just like «the new houses» [pueblo nuevo] of the industrial era gave their name to the area, so did the analogy of the construction of La Vila Olimpica del Poblenou that housed the athletes in the ’92 Olympics. Today, El Poblenou has turned into an innovation, technology and cultural hub with hosting spaces that suit the alternative nature of projects like The European Swing Network.

An interesting and useful aspect of this second meeting, both in the framework of the project as well as in terms of personal development, was a three-hour session with an external expert on cultural and intercultural differences, since the nature and diversity of the 11 country and 13-partner project involves collaboration and coordination between all kind of mindsets represented in the EU: mediterranean, eastern european, northern european, central european [Bulgaria, Spain (2 partners), Italy, Lithuania, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, France (2 partners), Slovenia, Greece].

During the three-day meeting, the partners had the chance to discuss aspects and reflect on what the next steps would be regarding the plethora of deliverables that represent the wealth of what Swing comprises of: an audiobook, a history book, a podcast, a newsletter, gradual mapping of the swing sector in Europe, an artists’ mobility and visibility programme, training, experience sharing and career development, Swing history heritage awareness and recognition activities, Strategic development of the sector and representativeness activities. Sunday night involved social dancing in La Iguana bar.

The threefold aim of the Swing Net 2 project is:

- To support professionals active in the swing dance and music sector -musicians, dancers, teachers, dance schools, event organisers, content creators- stand on their feet again after the COVID19 crisis, as well as provide them with opportunities for international professional mobility.

- To increase visibility, introduce and acquaint the general public with the swing dance (lindy hop) and swing music vast history, origins, cultural heritage, iconic figures and values, and with the vibrant community active across Europe.

- To establish Swinging Europe Network as a means for professional development through relevant interaction of professionals across Europe.

The next in person meeting will be held in April 2023 in Vilnius, Lithuania, hosted by What a Jazz dance studio / Svingo Rojus project partner: