Creating Space at EDI 2024 – Reflections and Interview with Aminata Cairo
Wednesday 24 April 2024
Arriving in the charming city of Nida for the first in-person Equity Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Platform Meeting 2024, I was filled with a sense of excitement and curiosity. The bus journey, while long, offered glimpses of the stunning Curonian Spit, with its iconic dunes that have inspired artists for generations. Warmly welcomed at the Nida Art Colony of Vilnius Academy of the Arts by the local team and Egija Inzule, EDI working group member, I felt immediately at home in this special place that would be the space dedicated to dialogue and connection for the duration of this gathering. The event kicked off with a refreshing session led by Cecilia Roos, Chair of the EDI Working Group, focusing on breathing and movement. This set a mindful tone for the gathering, emphasising the importance of holistic well-being, and preparing us for the discussions and activities to come. Participants then split into groups for walks along the beach, through the dunes, and into the forest. Each step brought a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for Nida’s beauty, as well as the opportunity to connect with fellow attendees on a deeper level. We were honored to have Aminata Cairo with us as our event guide and narrator for this year’s EDI gathering. As an anthropologist, psychologist, educator, storyteller, and 'love-worker', Aminata addressed various stories, theories and emphasised the importance of being open—open to receive, and open to being with people, nature, space and silence. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Aminata Cairo and chatting by the beach as we listened to the crash of waves against the shore; looking out to the scenery, we could clearly see the Russian border. As we spoke of family life and personal struggles, I was reminded of something she said during her workshop: “How do I make it safe for people to speak comfortably?” What was the secret? One thing was certain, Aminata made it possible for me to be open. Throughout the event, the Dutch word ‘gezellig’ (meaning cozy, comfortable, pleasant) was used frequently, embracing the irony of navigating uncomfortable and unpleasant conversations around the discourse of diversity and inclusion. Aminata stressed the role of dialogue in navigating such discussions, highlighting: “Because we must disrupt our own patterns, dialogue is everything. However, dialogue does not have to be just verbal. it is about communication; about exchange; about being with another. It is about walking in the dunes and spending that time with another. Therefore, it is not always verbal. But are you willing to connect with me? Are you willing to exchange with me? Are you willing to be with me? That is everything.” This notion of having uncomfortable conversations and genuine dialogue struck a chord with me, challenging me to confront my own preconceptions. The evening programme featured a performance by Griessner Stadl. Performed first at the Venice Biennale 2022, the question of this performance brought by the group was how do we change perception through shared experience? Five participants were invited to choose a song and dance in front of all. 
Day two mirrored the spirit of the first, with an interactive workshop and closing session led by Aminata and Ali Şahin, an EDI working group member. In groups of two we discussed questions and statements Aminata gathered from attending all the sessions, such as: Critical reflection or do we keep it “gezellig”?; What are the barriers to making space? Throughout the event, the plurality of voices leading sessions and performances offered their perspective and experiences on the discourse around EDI. Notably, Aminata recounted something that stood out in Pratāp Rughani’s session where he provoked the participants by showing a documentary about a white supremacist and their organisation’s attack the Sikh community. “Part of the Sikh philosophy is that they work with endless optimism. So that was a beautiful quote. The fact that the white supremacist, who now is committed to undoing what he has done, says, ‘I'm committed to walking this journey with you.’ It's a very simple phrase, but I think it's very meaningful. That was very inspiring.”
ELIA's EDI working group aimed to facilitate conversations around equity, diversity, and inclusivity, and we were successful considering its first in person occasion. Bringing people together in conversation to engage, walk and share stories.
“What I saw, not just in the sessions, but between the sessions and after the sessions, was the fact that people stayed in conversation and sought each other out and started walking and sharing together. That's what you want.” Looking ahead, Aminata expressed hope for deeper discussions and broader participation, acknowledging the importance of meeting people where they are. Surprised by the diverse range of perspectives shared, Aminata commented: “Sometimes the discussions did not go that deep. But it's about where people are. So hopefully next year, people will go a little bit deeper. There were quite a few things that were not mentioned, but there's a time and a space for everything. So we don't have to force it.” “Some (sessions) were more interactive. Others were more traditional, but that was okay, too.” As the event drew to a close, dinner felt like the last supper. We broke fresh baked bread by the local chefs of Soma Kitchen and drank wine with the bonds we forged over a short span. The event concluded with an open dance floor (a testament to the unity) with a playlist compiled by participants, including myself. In a lighthearted moment reminiscent of her workshops, I asked Aminata if there was a song that encapsulates her experience at EDI 2024. With a smile, she selected "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan, “I did try to put myself out there and be available to people and, hold the space for them. So, I'm Every Woman, it's all in me, it's through me, (hopefully) through what I have, I hope to touch some people and support people.” 
The EDI 2024 Platform Meeting was not merely a gathering but a journey of self-reflection, dialogue, and unity, resonating with all. As we departed Nida, I am filled with a sense of activism and empowerment but also driven and eager to be part of the change; hoping to carry forward the experiences and perspectives from all involved and committed to continuing to hold space, and making space. To the ELIA community: Let's be open for different people to participate Photo credits to Nendre Zilinskaite
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