With every passport stamp, artists gain more than memories — they gain new ways of seeing.
At We Are Epic, we know international artist collaborations don’t just transform artists, they:
- Spark new collaborations
- Unlock fresh creative ideas
- Grow an artist’s vision beyond borders.
Each experience shows us that art is a universal language, made richer by all its unique dialects and expressions.
Art is a Universal Language
We’ve championed the transformative power of international artist exchanges, creating experiences that connect artists globally and expand their perspectives. Since 2012, we’ve seen firsthand the growth, inspiration, and unforgettable moments that come from these international collaborations. Artists from different cultures bring their unique influences to blend and expand each other’s practices, visions, and artistic journeys.
Our Latest International Exchange, Convergence of Grace
We’re excited to share our latest collaboration between Indonesian and UK artists, Kadafi Mulula and Arif ‘One-Legz’, who joined forces with Kita Poleng to create a 25-minute dance film, Convergence of Grace.
Read along as Kadafi shares insights and reflections from his first solo adventure, showing just how powerful international collaboration and shared creativity can be.
Did That Just Happen?
I got a message one day from We Are Epic about a project. They thought I’d be a good artist to represent them. It was so nice of them to think of me and I was excited to bring my versatile style and background to the project.
When we got the funding from the British Council, it made the project real. The timing was perfect because I just finished my two-year apprenticeship at Company Chameleon and was moving into a new role as a Company Dancer.
This trip was my first solo adventure. I remember the day of the flight waking up in a panic, thinking that I missed my flight, but everything was cool. As soon as the flight was announced, I was there! They said ‘Bali’ and I was like check, check, check. I got on the plane and i just thought, “Wow, I’m really doing it”
Arriving in Bali for the International Artist Exchange
Bali was scorching hot! I should be used to it because I’m from Africa, but I think I’ve lived in the UK for too long!
Collaborating with the film company was unforgettable.
I felt like I was part of the team. I was the only UK artist and the rest of the artists and crew were from Indonesia. I kind of went into the project thinking that I would be alone a lot of the time, but it wasn’t that kind of vibe at all. Everyone made an effort to include me. They asked me about my dance experience and how I was finding Bali. It was very nice that I felt like one of them, it felt normal just like an everyday work environment rather than a one-off new collaboration.
The Experience of Dancing in Bali
It’s something that I’ll never forget.
I love detail because it really identifies what you’re trying to tell the audience. I liked going deeper into the culture too. With the dance styles, there was a lot of spirituality which was very satisfying to me as a dancer to watch and be part of.
Every day it was like a different emotion, a different experience. As an artist, you want to do your best and you want to do the film justice.
Artistic Collaboration in Bali’s Rice Fields
Dancing in the rice field was my, favourite, favourite, bit of the film. It was on my bucket list to dance on a rice field. It was amazing, I really went back to the rawness of how dance makes me feel. I really loved that scene, like the breathing, the nature, really feeling in my body and soul and being grounded to the soil.
In that scene, the only direction was to do what I felt and I just really felt at home and embodied. That scene means a lot to me, it nurtured my soul and was kind of like meditation or a massage.
Why is International collaboration important?
Honestly, it’s important because it’s more than an experience. Everyone will take something different from this kind of project. Some might take it as a healing experience and for some it’ll be an experience to gain knowledge. For me it turned into a way to find my identity, in a way that I’ve not really thought of before.
I say that because watching the movie, I thought, if I told my ten-year-old self, “that’s you in that film” it’d just be crazy and I’d think, “that’s not you!” I was just like “Damn that’s cool, wow!”
The rooftop scene looks like an action movie and the rice field scene, it felt like I was in a martial arts movie. I always really love martial arts movies!
When I think about identity I think it’s important not to be like one type of book – Be a book with layers and chapters. Keep learning how to find better versions of yourself. That’s why this experience was important to me.
What I’d Tell Artists About International Exchanges
- Leave Your Expectations at Home – I envisioned something so different to what actually happened. Honestly, it was so much more than I expected. It was a mind-blowing experience. Never envision what you expect.
- Collaboration Needs Patience – I’m not from the film industry so that was a new experience. You’re working full long days so there’s a lot of waiting for your turn while the other artists film their scenes. There’s also language & communication barriers which slow things down – it taught me to be patient. You just have to remember that in the end, the film is going to be worth it.
- Be Very, Very Open-minded – if you’re not open-minded, then you’re not going to get 100% of the effect of the experience.
- Tune In To The Experience – Ask a lot of questions, but at the same time, listen. You will need to tune into the situation and have an awareness of when it’s the right time to ask questions most of the time it’s about listening.
- Be Present – Your brain shouldn’t be anywhere else, except from the project, the vision of the project and what the director wants and needs from you. You’ve got to be on top of that.
- It’s Not Only About You – Don’t just think of what you want the project to be, the most important thing is the collaboration itself. It’s the vision or the angle of the project not just what you as an artist wants to do. As artists adding what we want to put in is the bonus, but that might be the completely wrong fit for the overall vision
Join Us in Shaping the Future of International Arts Exchange
As we wrap up this journey through Kadafi’s inspiring experience in Bali, we hope you feel motivated to embark on your own collaborative adventures. Reflecting on Kadafi’s journey reminds us of the impact international artist exchanges can have. Each one brings fresh perspectives and creative energy to the world, expanding what’s possible in the arts.At We Are Epic, we’re all about supporting artists on journeys like these. Whether you’re interested in exchange programs, collaborations, or creating new opportunities, we’d love to connect.
Reach out to explore how we can work together, or share your own stories. Let’s see where our creative worlds can collide—who knows what extraordinary project might be next!