British-Albanian Arts Association

05/11/2024

Perspectives by UKAP Foundation for Albanian Entrepreneurs

Tonight, I attended the “Perspectives” event by UK Albanian Professionals (UKAP), held at UCL (University College London) and led by ONi Bilali
In a room packed with young entrepreneurs, students, and business owners, the energy was electric. Reconnecting with old friends and meeting new faces added to the richness of the night.
The speakers — Orsela C.ani, Patrick Hasani and Elson Bajrakurtaj, whose infectious humour made the event even more enjoyable — shared their leadership and entrepreneurial journeys, leaving us all with invaluable takeaways.

Reflections from the Panel

One memorable question posed to the speakers was: *What advice would you give your younger self?* Here’s what stood out:

- Elson Bajrakurtaj encouraged “thinking big, staying present, and asking the right questions.”
- Orsela Cani reminded us to “dream big” and stay resilient, her message clear: *never give up*.
- Patrick Hasani shared the importance of “over-analyzing less” and focusing on taking action, seeing every “no” as a step closer to success.

Networking: The Key to Success

The panel highlighted the role of authentic networking in professional growth:

- Connecting on a human level builds relationships that open doors.
- Approach others with curiosity and avoid pre-judgment.
- Maintain connections within your industry — it’s a small world, and every relationship counts.

Creative Solutions to Challenges

The speakers also shared their strategies for staying resilient and finding solutions:

- Think creatively and push for solutions, no matter how challenging.
- Listen closely to customers and understand what sets your business apart.
- Spot market needs and gaps to turn challenges into opportunities.

Hiring the Right People

When it comes to building a team, they value qualities beyond formal qualifications:

- Attitude and eagerness to learn matter more than credentials.
- Trustworthiness and independence, along with a good sense of humour, are key traits.

Final Thought

Tonight was a powerful reminder of the importance of vision, resilience, authentic connections and above all connecting and being generous. Special thanks to Naked Chips () for sponsoring this inspiring event.

A final reminder
If you’re feeling motivated too, consider joining the UKAP Fundraising Gala on 30 November in support of their mentorship programme. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the next generation of Albanian professionals and meet prominent Albanians such as Ermonela Jaho, Rudina Jasini, Alda Dizdari, Anjeza Shahini etj.

23/10/2024

Central and Eastern European artists are facing discrimination and racism and it has different forms and shapes.
A very interesting gathering today at a much-anticipated and well-overdue event organised by the European Parliament Liaison Office at Europe House wherethis reality was made even more evident.

I’m not surprised, but it’s deeply saddening. The evidence now clearly shows that artists from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe face significant discrimination. The challenge in addressing this bias is often tied to how we report it—when ticking the “White” box, we’re absorbed into the broader British statistics, rendering our experiences invisible.

For over 30 years, I’ve faced both overt and covert racial discrimination, but every time I reported it, it was ignored. My response? To push through with hard work and the highest standards in my craft.

The actor Vyte Garriga (artistic name) said, “as an Eastern European artist I had to change my name, not because I wanted to, but because I found it nearly impossible to get hired for leading roles apart from the cleaner or the women who'd be killed in the first two minutes. Yet as soon as I changed my name, I started getting lots of roles.”
This echoes the same harsh reality many of us face.
What's your experience and thought?

16/10/2024

Tonight at the Albanian Embassy in London, for the launch of Alice in Albania: 250 Adventures by Alice Taylor. It was a fascinating and thought-provoking evening, filled with discussions on Albania’s rich human, cultural, historical, and traditional treasures. British Albanian Culture & Arts Association 🇦🇱🇽🇰🇬🇧 is delighted to stand behind this significant event. These cultural exchanges, reinforcing our commitment to building bridges between the UK and Albania.

11/10/2024

🇬🇧Congratulations and wishing a great success to the talented poet and activist Amina Meshnuni on the publication and promotion of the book ‘Lëng Sheme mbi Lule Bore’ (‘Pomegranate Juice on Snow Flowers’). Today at the Kosovo Embassy in London
🇦🇱Urime dhe shume Suksese poeteshes dhe aktivistes se talentuar Amina Meshnuni ne botimin dhe promovimin e librit "Lëng Sheme mbi Lule Bore". Sot ne Kosovo Embassy London

22/09/2024

🇬🇧A beautiful evening of music with "The Words of a Candle" performed by the extraordinary Alda Dizdari (Violin) 🎻 and the talented Camilla Pay (Harp). This performance is part of the British Cultural Week in Albania, under the ‘TRANSFORMATION FREEDOM’ programme curated by Lea Ypi, supported by the Ministria e Ekonomise, Kulturës dhe Inovacionit in collaboration with the British Council and the British Embassy in Tirana.
🇦🇱Një mbrëmje e bukur muzikore me "Fjalët e qiririt" e interpretuar nga e jashtëzakonshmja Alda Dizdari (Violinë) 🎻 dhe e talentuara Camilla Pay (Harpë). Ky koncert është pjesë e Javës Kulturore Britanike në Shqipëri, nën festivalin ‘TRANSFORMIM DHE LIRI’, kuruar nga Lea Ypi, me mbështetjen e Ministrisë së Ekonomisë, Kulturës dhe Inovacionit, në bashkëpunim me British Council dhe Ambasadën Britanike në Tiranë.

06/09/2024

Altin Gjoni and the British Band in The Dublin Castle

02/07/2024

"Në pusí një ditë në rënça, qos qoftë thënë t'a kem nga miqtë"
Interpretim nga i madhi Timo Flloko ❤️

22/05/2024

'𝐁𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥' 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦 🌞🎶 (From 25 July to 2 August 2024. Open to children aged 4+)

Stage Talent are thrilled to invite your children to this exciting and enriching summer experience.

This camp promises to be an unforgettable journey of fun, learning, and performance in the world of musical theatre. From singing and movement to acting and performing, your child will embark on a magical adventure that will nurture their creativity and talent.

𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 £𝟓𝟎 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐛𝐲 𝟑𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 (𝟕-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞)
Only 10 places are available
📆 Dates: 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 July - 1, 2 August
⏰ Timing: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
📍 Location: Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham UB10 8PD
💰 Fees per child:
£33 per day Early Bird (7 days) - If booked by 31 May
£40 per day Standard (7 days) - From 1 June
£45 per day (Individual days)

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭?
Your child will learn and practice with specialists from Stage Talent Academy and will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of performing arts, including:
🌟 Singing
🌟 Movement
🌟 Drama/Acting
🌟 Costume Design
🌟 Stage Confidence
🌟 Team Building
🌟 Performance Showcasing

𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞
Each day there will be a variation of the following topics during these times:
10:00-10:45: Artistic Expression
10:45-11:30: Vocal Vibrations
11:45-12:30: Lunch Break
12:30-13:15: Dramatic Crescendos
13:15-14:00: Dynamic Movement

To register or for more info, please 𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 "𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩" 𝐭𝐨 𝟎𝟕𝟕𝟖𝟐𝟓𝟎𝟑𝟐𝟔𝟎 or visit www.stagetalent.co.uk/summer-camp
Save £50 if you book by 31st May (7-day course)
Only 10 places are available - first come first served

‘Be Musical’ Summer Camp A Summer They Will Never Forget     Secure your child’s place today among 10 lucky participants who will embark on a journey of musical discovery & confidence-building in our melodic haven. Early Bird - Book by May 31St (Save £50 on Full Course) MUSIC ln our ensembl...