Danseurs Citoyens Sud

115 Avenue Mohamed Ali, 6000 Gabes, Tunisia

contact (at) o-dcs.org

October 2023

On the 6th of October 2023, an insightful panel discussion took place at the secondary venue of Danseurs Citoyens Sud in Jara Gabes, centered around the theme "Engaging Art in the Climate Justice Cause." This event served as a platform for addressing the critical issue of climate justice through the lens of art and culture. The panel featured two distinguished speakers who lent their expertise to the discourse: “Mohamed Amine Hamouda”, a renowned visual artist and educator at the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts, dedicated to the promotion of Gabes' Oasis culture, and “Bochra Taboubi”, a Tunisian visual artist known for her profound exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and nature.  Throughout the discussion, the urgency of climate justice was brought to the forefront, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate action and awareness. Mohamed Amine Hamouda's insightful contributions underscored the vital role of art in preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Gabes, a region faced with unique environmental challenges. Additionally, Bochra Taboubi's thought-provoking exhibition, "Cluster of Matter," served as a powerful visual commentary on the complex interplay between humanity and the environment. Her historical insight into the Tunisian paleontological heritage shed light on the deep-rooted connections between the land

"Cluster of Matter" is a thought-provoking exhibition by the talented visual artist, Bochra Taboubi, who possesses a deep fascination with the intricate relationship between humans and nature. The exhibition unfolded from October 5th to 7th, 2023, at Danseurs Citoyens Sud's secondary venue in Jara, Gabes. Bochra Taboubi's work in "Cluster of Matter" invites viewers into a realm of visual contemplation that centers on the vanishing paleontological heritage of the Metlaoui region, a phosphate mining town in Tunisia. The work stages a dialogue between the fictional and the natural while sketching a repertoire of chimerical forms and creatures in an attempt to conjure the fauna and flora that could have existed.  At the core of Bochra's artistic methodology lies a journey of exploration. She delves into landscapes, pores over historical records, and draws from paleontological sources, weaving these elements into a reimagined array of specimens. Hence, Bochra Taboubi's work is a fusion of artistic creativity and historical insight.

Sana is a gifted individual originally from Tunisia, who is passionate about performing arts. Her initial taste of the professional scene came through a theater project, an experience that opened her eyes to the joy of the creative process and instilled in her a profound appreciation for the idea of putting in dedicated effort to nurture her growth as an artist. From a young age, Sana has held a deep affection for both dancing and singing. Her artistic journey commenced with the cultivation of her singing talents, a journey that has fueled her with a relentless determination to commit herself to the pursuit of her artistic path.

Ghassen is a multi-talented artist hailing from Tunisia. As a self-taught musician, singer, and songwriter, he has forged his own path in the world of music. His creative palette is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of reggae, jazz, and the traditional music of Tunisia. More recently, he turned to Alternative Music, convinced that all countries must reconnect with their cultural origins. This compelling vision has led him on a quest to uncover the rhythms and melodies that have often remained hidden. Moreover, he manages to infuse his energy and passion into the lyrics of his songs that he carries in his daily life. Hence, Ghassen holds a prominent position in the realm of street music within his country. As one of the pioneers in this genre

Mariem, also known as YOTTO, is a highly accomplished individual. She earned her degree from the “Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts of Tunis” and further honed her expertise with a Master's degree in "Theories of Art." Her journey into the realm of performing arts began at the tender age of 12, including theater, dance, and circus skills. Presently, Mariem teaching theater at a private school for children.She is not only a dedicated educator but also an art enthusiast. Her aspiration is to continue exploring the vast and captivating world of the arts, with a particular emphasis on the performing arts. Her commitment to growth and learning has led her to participate in various workshops, where she had the privilege of collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities.

Oussama is a hiphop dancer who firmly believes in the transformative power of art to inspire and nurture both awareness and talent in individuals.Throughout his journey, he actively participated in a variety of artistic experiences. These endeavors not only allowed him to express himself through dance but also opened up opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, many of whom possessed a high level of expertise in the art form. These interactions enriched his artistic journey and provided a unique platform for sharing knowledge and skills. Baggy’s journey reflects a deep commitment to the art form and a dedication to personal growth, both as a dancer and as an individual.

Feriel, often referred to as Farfalla, is truly driven by a profound passion for the world of theatrical dance. Her dedication to this art form is evident through her involvement in numerous artistic endeavors, one of which was a significant collaboration in contemporary dance with a Moroccan-Belgian choreographer as part of the Dream City project. Additionally, she brings a wealth of experience as a tourism animator, having worked with an Italian travel agency. This unique blend of artistic and tourism-related experiences reflects her diverse skill set and underscores her dedication to both the performing arts and the field of tourism.

On the 9th of October 2023, Danseurs Citoyens Sud hosted a remarkable art bootcamp entitled “current” at No Name - artistic studio lab. This bootcamp was a collaborative endeavor with the esteemed American Dance Education and Interdisciplinary Arts organization "Company E". "Current" brought together the creative minds of Tunisia and the United States as three esteemed American experts in the fields of dance and music journeyed to Gabes, Tunisia, to impart their wisdom and expertise to Tunisian artists. The core theme of "Current" revolves around the multifaceted relationship between humanity and water across cultures. This topic was chosen to explore the profound and universal connection that people share with water, a vital element that sustains life and has deep-rooted cultural significance across the globe. Hence, this art bootcamp represented the union of international artistic expertise and the exploration of a profound and cross-cultural theme where collaboration fuses movement, music, and multimedia. Check out Art Bootcamp “Current” Interviews: Bootcamp Photos:

As part of our latest Art Bootcamp that delves deep into the vital theme of “Climate Justice”, Zeineb Kaabi takes part in this episode of “Misahat Podcast” to share her experience as an artist and a participant. Zeineb is a remarkable visual artist and a committed activist whose passion knows no bounds. In addition to her academic background in social and cultural anthropology, her journey has been a symphony of creativity and advocacy, with a particular focus on the world of light art within “Interference”. Intriguingly, Zeineb recently embarked on an impactful journey by participating in the Art Bootcamp, an immersive endeavor that was organized by “Danseurs Citoyens Sud” and took place from September 11th to 17th, 2023 at No Name - Artistic Studio Lab. In this episode, our guest generously offers her insights into the pressing matter of climate justice. She also shares her perspective on the state of public awareness concerning the environmental challenges confronting Tunisia. As a committed artist, her perspective is not only thought-provoking but also deeply inspiring, offering a vibrant lens through which we can view the environmental challenges affecting marginalized regions in Tunisia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4kwis4qfLA Danseurs Citoyens Sud · دور الفن و المواطنة في طرح القضايا البيئية

Raja is a visionary artist who is currently working towards a doctoral degree in the field of "aesthetics of art and its practice." Her participation in the photography workshop was an integral part of the broader art bootcamp organized by Danseurs Citoyens Sud, which had a central theme of climate justice.  During the podcast, Raja went into detail about her hands-on experience with the photography team in Chat Salem, an area where they used their cameras to capture the significant negative effects of pollution on the local environment. Raja's involvement in documenting the environmental impact of pollution through photography not only highlights the power of visual arts in conveying critical messages but also underscores the importance of addressing climate justice to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH3P3wQ8I2I Danseurs Citoyens Sud · التصوير الفوتوغرافي كعمل إبداعي و كاشف للحقائق