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Previous participant: Fredrick Arnøy
From: Victoria / Nasjonal jazzscene (Norway)
To: International Jazz Platform / Wytwónia. Foundation (Poland)
Dates: 19 - 26 July 2024
For my staff exchange, I had the pleasure of working at the International Jazz Platform in Lodz, with whom I have had the pleasure of working with at Nasjonal Jazzscene Victoria in Oslo before. Now it was time to experience it from the Polish side. In addition to the mentor and student workshops, INTL in Lodz is a full-blown festival set in the historic film studios now called Klub Wytórnia, featuring at least three bands each day (this year could boast an impressive line-up including Jaga Jazzist, Signe Emmeluth’s Amoeba, Nick Dunston Skultura, Erlend Apneseth Trio with Maja S. K. Ratkje, and more).
I arrived a couple of days earlier to get to know the venue and prepare for my tasks, which was being the main contact person for all the musicians & mentors during their stay. No small task and I appreciate the trust bestowed upon me. Working closely together with Karolina, Maciej, and Natalia on transport, I definitely gained insight in the logistics and ways of running a festival. Not to mention test my stress management and crowd control.
One thing I really appreciate about INTL is the meeting between the mentors and the music students (from 17 different nations, no less). Sadly I was not able to attend all the creative sessions, as musicians seemed to arrive at an alarming rate. Still, I was able to talk to some of the students and see the results of their work on the final day. I strongly believe in the power of music and the importance of meeting across borders, and for that INTL is a golden opportunity.
I want to thank Karolina and the rest of the INTL crew for creating such a joyous and welcoming atmosphere. I also want to give an extra shout-out to the volunteers, themselves musicians, always willing to lend a helping hand. And I would be a-miss not to mention Restaurant U Milsha, where we would share our meals and attend jam sessions in the ballroom at night. I’m very grateful for the opportunity of doing the staff exchange through European Jazz Network.
To: International Jazz Platform / Wytwónia. Foundation (Poland)
Dates: 19 - 26 July 2024
For my staff exchange, I had the pleasure of working at the International Jazz Platform in Lodz, with whom I have had the pleasure of working with at Nasjonal Jazzscene Victoria in Oslo before. Now it was time to experience it from the Polish side. In addition to the mentor and student workshops, INTL in Lodz is a full-blown festival set in the historic film studios now called Klub Wytórnia, featuring at least three bands each day (this year could boast an impressive line-up including Jaga Jazzist, Signe Emmeluth’s Amoeba, Nick Dunston Skultura, Erlend Apneseth Trio with Maja S. K. Ratkje, and more).
I arrived a couple of days earlier to get to know the venue and prepare for my tasks, which was being the main contact person for all the musicians & mentors during their stay. No small task and I appreciate the trust bestowed upon me. Working closely together with Karolina, Maciej, and Natalia on transport, I definitely gained insight in the logistics and ways of running a festival. Not to mention test my stress management and crowd control.
One thing I really appreciate about INTL is the meeting between the mentors and the music students (from 17 different nations, no less). Sadly I was not able to attend all the creative sessions, as musicians seemed to arrive at an alarming rate. Still, I was able to talk to some of the students and see the results of their work on the final day. I strongly believe in the power of music and the importance of meeting across borders, and for that INTL is a golden opportunity.
I want to thank Karolina and the rest of the INTL crew for creating such a joyous and welcoming atmosphere. I also want to give an extra shout-out to the volunteers, themselves musicians, always willing to lend a helping hand. And I would be a-miss not to mention Restaurant U Milsha, where we would share our meals and attend jam sessions in the ballroom at night. I’m very grateful for the opportunity of doing the staff exchange through European Jazz Network.
