The experience has been incredible, both professionally and personally. Berlin is such a vibrant city, and working with the team at LIOS Labs has been inspiring. The main project we’re focusing on, the Desert Transformation Lab, has been a huge undertaking but incredibly rewarding. It’s been a unique opportunity to dive deep into cultural fundraising and project storytelling.

One of the most significant parts of our collaboration was researching and reaching out to potential investors and artists. I’ve been honing my skills in pitching and explaining the project’s value, which is crucial for securing funding and support. Another challenge has been managing the diverse range of artists in our residency program. Each one brings a unique vision and needs, so balancing these while keeping the overall project on track has been tricky but super educational. It made me realize how challenging it can be to succeed at coordinating such a diverse and ambitious initiative, but it was also a valuable learning experience for the future. I was particularly impressed by the dedication of Jo, my supervisor, and her entire team to this project, which has been both inspiring and motivating for me.

I feel like we’re definitely on track with the program’s objectives. I’ve learned a lot about how to articulate a project’s goals and potential to different stakeholders. We’ve also made good progress in connecting with creatives and fostering a collaborative environment, which is key to the success of the Desert Transformation Lab.

Overall, this experience has been a massive learning curve. I’ve gained a lot of confidence in my ability to manage projects and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people. It’s also been fascinating to see the different ways that art and culture can intersect with business and community building.

Looking forward to the second half of this journey, I’m excited to continue growing and contributing to the success of LIOS Labs and the Desert Transformation Lab.