Journey Aboard the Unkraut with Open Art Space 

This event was part of GSBTB’s participation in Unkraut Kollektiv’s Dreamsplatform initiative. Many from the Open Art Space community gathered to experience this wonderful ride aboard the Unkraut. The day began with vibrant sunshine and anticipation. Many of us dove right into creating, with the array of mediums available, such as crocheting, painting, drawing, bracelet making, and simply defining art in our own ways. As the day continued with much chatter and shared meals, many described this day as embodying the spirit of Open Art Space. Khadija Al-Helou, an artist who draws realistic portraits but prefers abstract art, attended the event and said, “When I met this group, I was very happy because I had no relatives or sisters in this country. I was very happy with the weather, the harbour, the dancing, and the music. We had a very nice time.”

As the afternoon came to an end, clouds began to roll over the previously clear blue skies, and rain started to pour down. Instead of ending the boat ride because of this change in weather, in the spirit of Open Art Space, this moment became an opportunity to embrace the beauty and joy of one another’s company in all circumstances. As the rain poured down, the music was turned up a little louder, and people danced, laughed, and embraced the droplets as they fell. Swathi Sriram, a writer who has been residing in Berlin for six years and a volunteer with Open Art Space, beautifully described the moment: “To me, dancing in the rain felt like an act of rebellion and a personal feeling of liberation. All the women were at leisure, and the mothers let go of worries about their children falling sick and danced to ‘Hips Don’t Lie’. This is not something we all get to do every day—hence it’s an act of rebellion coupled with a sense of liberation.”

Aboard the Unkraut, everyone’s spirits shone brightly, and the essence of Open Art Space was palpable in every moment on the boat. The immense care that Project Manager Antonina Stasiuk and all the wonderful volunteers— Swathi Sriram, Aisling Marnane, Cecilia Hanelt, Karo Makaruk, Lidwien Houwers— put into the space is why such a supportive community has flourished, finding solace through creation and gathering. After the event, we asked attendees eight questions about their thoughts on the event and Open Art Space, here are some of their stories and reflections:

• What is your name? Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?

Rabaa Marza: I am Rabaa, I come from Syria. I am married and have a daughter, I passed the B1 exam

Rawah Darish: My name is Rawah, 64 years old.

Swathi Sriram: Hi I’m Swathi. I’m a writer and have been in Berlin for 6 years. I volunteer at GSBTB because I truly wanted to give something back to Berlin especially because the city is finally starting to feel like home.

Nargiza Numonjonova: I am Nargiza, 26, from Uzbekistan and moved to Berlin two years ago for my new job as a kids nurse in Charite, since then I was alone in a new big city and didn’t have any chance to find new friends.

• How did you first hear about Open Art Space?

Rabaa Marza:  I found out about the group through Berlin activities via WhatsApp.

Rawah Darwish:  My daughter was in the community from the beginning, and she told me about it.

Swathi Sriram: When I was finally ready to volunteer, I looked at multiple volunteer organisations. After furiously searching on the internet, I found GSBTB and wrote to the project manager, Antonina. The Open Arts Space aligns with my interest of helping people experience art while relaxing, especially mothers who want time for themselves and children who like art, and sometimes it’s both.

Nargiza Numonjonova: First time I heard about OAS was this year on January, I heard about you from my newly came flatmate from another country. She was a fan of arts and did also beautiful masterpieces.

• What do you enjoy most about being part of the OAS community?

Rabaa Marza: Meeting friends from different countries.

Rawah Darwish: The respect and kindness of the lovely ones that work there.

Swathi Sriram: Thinking about people’s experiences and setting up the space to welcome them is something I enjoy doing. I also love baking pizzas, making tea and setting up the food tables. I love that we’re all from different walks of life and meet here to make a difference, however small it may be.

Nargiza Numonjonova: As I first visited to OAS I realised that I was getting my childhood passion back ( I painted a lit and pretty well as a teenager) Nowadays as an adult in a foreign country I have a lot of things to think, to do and don’t have time for myself or I don’t know what to do for myself when I am free. As a part of OAS I just really enjoy, that I can forget daily life problems and just be in a creative side of myself.

• Do you think the Open Art Space project helps in creating relationships between people? How does it do this?

Rabaa Marza: Open Art Space. Yes, it helps to connect with others through continuous meetings.

Rawah Darwish: Yes, I know wonderful friends from all over the world.

Swathi Sriram: Resources are in abundance always and that’s a big plus of the Open Art Space. People feel welcome and open to try new things and are not afraid to make mistakes. If you make a mistake, take a different canvas or try a new thing—no one questions you or stops you! That’s important and builds a feeling of safety and comfort.

Nargiza Numonjonova: Oh yeah, definitely. % This is what I love most from OAS. You see there a lot of people with different backgrounds, different cultures. It is so nice to learn more about the world, about those new people.

• Can you share a moment when you felt a strong sense of community at one of these events?

Rabaa Marza: Yes, I feel like I belong to this group because the people leading the group are very good people.

Swathi Sriram: OAS on the boat was a fantastic experience and I could feel how beautifully the community came together. I felt positive and warm, and the ladies dancing together in the rain made me happy, and in a way liberated too.

Nargiza Numonjonova: It was our Dancing in rain scene

• What is the importance of creative activities like crocheting, painting, drawing, or jewellery making in Open Art Space?

Rabaa Marza: They are very nice activities that are a lot of fun.

Rawah Darwish: Learning and having a good time.

Swathi Sriram: This question is closely related to question 4. Even if these activities act like a distraction, they help people process thoughts that they are otherwise unable to, and in that way the space also becomes a safe space for oneself. People are also constantly making things for their loved ones and it helps in building a relationship outside of the space too. For example, I learned how to make a piece of jewellery and I even gifted a few to my friends. They cherish the gifts and feel special that I handmade something.

• What was your experience with the boat event on Tuesday? What were your impressions?

Rabaa Marza: The boat trip was very nice. I wish we could do group outings.

Rawah Darwish: I was so happy and still, I liked most the acrobatic way we left the ship

Swathi Sriram: Firstly the event was wonderfully organised. The group thought through tiny things like bringing cups for water. It’s not easy to replicate the art space on a boat but we all did it! I enjoyed watching the children paint and dance and have fun. One of the kids was endlessly fascinated by the water and she kept saying “Wasser, viel Wasser” and it reminded me of simple times. She even painted my hands and was extremely proud of her art. It’s the small things like these that make up for a big event like this.

Nargiza Numonjonova: I actually didn’t expect that things would turn like this

• For me, a very impactful moment from the event was how everyone danced and enjoyed the rain despite it cutting the day short. Was this moment memorable to you as well? What did dancing in the rain mean to you, and how does it represent the Open Art Space community?

Rabaa Marza: The dancing in the rain was more than wonderful. I wish the dancing in the rain lasted longer. I thank Mrs Tonia, she is a wonderful person who always has new and wonderful ideas.

Rawah Darwish: Amazing, it was like thanking God for everything.

Swathi Sriram: To me the dancing in the rain felt like an act of rebellion, and a personal feeling of liberation. All the women were at leisure and the mothers let go of worries around their children falling sick and danced to Hips Don’t Lie. This is not something we all get to do every day—hence it’s an act of rebellion coupled with a sense of liberation.

Nargiza Numonjonova: Yes, it was. It was my first “dancing in the rain” experience as an adult. And yes, it stays of course as a good funny memory. I would say yes, it is a good representation for OAS, where is everyone welcome and can do arts coming sometimes from child-me ideally said from our inner child sometimes from deep lying feelings etc. Dancing in the rain was also something coming from our inner child inspired by Tonia, haha. Feeling free in the rain but not running away from it is not the thing what we do always. Like Haenim Sunim (Moni author from South Korea) sometimes dancing in the rain is a solution instead of running away from it it was a fully relaxation for some souls maybe ))

Here are other impressions from community members who went aboard the Unkraut: 

Arabic- 

اسمي صوفيا منير انا في برلين منذ اربع سنوات عرفت مساحة فنية مفتوحة من صديقتي واستمتع بالمشاركة ببعض النشاطات فيها وهي تساعدنا على اللقاء بالآخرين والاندماج في مجتمع جديد وأنا اتأثر كثيرا بلطف وحفاوة الاشخاص القائمين على هذه المنظمة .

ولقد كانت رحلة القارب رائعة بالنسبة لي وبشكل خاص عندما شاهدت الجميع يرقصون تحت المطر حيث شعرت ان الانسان يس تجاوز الاشياء المزعجة عندما يكون لديه النية لذلك حيث يستطيع تحويل الخوف الى فرح .

Sophia Mounaer: My name is Sophia Mounaer. I have been in Berlin for four years. I learned about Open Art Space from my friend and I enjoy participating in some of its activities. It helps us meet others and integrate into a new society. I am greatly influenced by the kindness and hospitality of the people in charge of this organisation.

The boat trip was wonderful for me, especially when I saw everyone dancing in the rain. I felt that a person can overcome annoying things when they have the intention to do so, and they can transform fear into joy.

Khadija Al-Helou: Hello.

My name is Khadija Al-Helou, an artist who draws realistic portraits and has a preference for abstract drawings.

When I met this group, I was very happy because I had no relatives or sisters in this country. I was very happy with the weather, the airport, the dancing and the music. We had a very nice time.

Gülsen Elyak: Hello there,

It is Gülsen

I have been in Berlin now for 2 months, and luckily I learned about Give Something Back to Berlin from the very beginning of my journey, many thanks to my friend Aysel.

I am from Turkey and came to Berlin to have my MBA degree and then stay and build a new life, more peaceful and maybe less caustic or less worrisome at least. Of course I know there is no place full of peace and uncanny happiness if you’re not ready for it or nor really meant to it.

I am so glad I met Give Someting Back To Berlin. You see… I am literally alone in this side of the country and socialising and being with people is important for me, that was the big part of the reason I joined this group I mean Open Hearts Space program. But what I found there was more than not being alone. The program is in one word, amazing! It is not just about creating art it is about creating a new life, maybe even a new world itself. I can not explain it enough.

And the boat trip was more than what I was asking for. Dancing in the rain, oh my!…. it made the trip perfect.

And also on this trip, I saw the happiness on the other’s faces, I saw peace, I saw trust, sense of belonging. These are the emotions human beings should feel and I’d love to see them more.

And I believe with GSBTB, I will keep seeing.

Thank you with my full of my heart

Abigail: I am Abigail and I’m 35 years of age, study Hotel Management and Tourism, this Open Art Space is the best project for Berlin because it gives people relief from their stress, moreover to meet new people and get new friends is a plus well as being creative especially when it comes to drawing it opens the mind to think deep bring up something. For boats events were awesome that was my experience in the boats.  I love Open Art Space and I will surely recommend to anyone who to volunteer for Berlin. .