MALEK ZOUAIDI
Malek Zouaidi is Tunisian artist who has been drawn into the world of performative arts since a young age. Years later, she decided to enter this field, starting with theatrical training at the National Theatre and completing a 4-year program at the National School of Circus Arts in Tunis. After that, she sought to enhance her skills and knowledge in the circus arts, leading her to the "Rosny sous-bois" school in Paris. Returning to Tunisia, she worked with the "Théâtre fou" company at Mad'art Carthage, directed by Raja Ben Ammar and Moncef Sayem, both as a performer and teacher. Her passion for circus and dance transformed into a profession through encounters with local and international artists.
MOHAMED AMINE HAMOUDA
Mohamed Amine Hamouda is a visual artist and a teacher at the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts in Gabes. His work is based on experimental research that explores and highlights the natural resources of Gabes to initiate new discussions about the oasis and the potential future of the region. Hamouda presents his handmade dyes, fibers, and papers, using only plants and natural elements found in the oasis, to document the biodiversity and rich ecological systems of the threatened oasis. He explores media and materials based on the plant diversity in his region, thus reviving lost and forgotten stories that existed before industrial colonization. The artist has been exhibiting in Tunisia and internationally since 2013, with his recent exhibitions including "Ragata
CALL FOR ARTISTS – BOOTCAMP 4000 Km Untitled
About the Art Bootcamp "4000 Kilometers Untitled" is an artistic bootcamp that aims to celebrate African identity through performing and visual arts. It is a collaborative effort between the organizations "Hivos" and "Danseurs Citoyens Sud." The program will take place from February 5th to 12th, 2024, at the Cultural Center "No Name" in Gabes, Tunisia. "4000 Kilometers Untitled" explores various aspects focusing on artistic mediums (body, sound, and light) and research studies. The goal is to investigate the political, economic, social, environmental, and historical influences affecting the lives of people in Africa as they navigate towards the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The initiative critiques the governance systems and borders imposed by colonization, negatively impacting universal human rights. Additionally, it sheds light on the shared natural resources and intangible African heritage between the south and north of the African continent. Eligibility Criteria - Any African nationality, any gender, established professional practitioners of age 20+ can apply. - We are seeking multidisciplinary artists with various artistic orientations. - Applicants must be conversant in Arabic or English or French. - Applicants must declare that they are mentally and physically fit to complete the Residency Program. Submission Deadline: 10 January 2024 Read all the details in the following document:
General Assembly of 2023
Danseurs Citoyens Sud organization will hold a General Assembly on December 30, 2023 at midday within the Cultural Center "No Name", Gabes.
Masterclass (DCS X WADE into ACTIVISM)
As part of the “WADE into ACTIVISM” festival, “Danseurs Citoyens Sud” conducted a masterclass at Peridance Center in NYC on November 26, 2023. Throughout this session, the organization offered an in-depth exploration of its history and vision, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of its mission and goals. The conversation expanded to include the broader context within the region , delving into the socio-cultural aspects. As a crucial component of the masterclass, the team distributed 20 copies of the book "Dancing Towards Equality" to the participants. This research study, conducted by Danseurs Citoyens Sud, investigates the issue of discrimination against women. This gesture facilitated a more immersive and informed discussion, fostering engagement and awareness within the community.
“Noon” Performance by Ahmed Guerfel (DCS x WADE into ACTIVISM)
"Misahat Noon" is an artistic initiative undertaken by "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" representing a year-long collaborative effort. The primary objective of this endeavor is to combat and shed light on the pervasive issue of violence against women. As part of its commitment to this cause, "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" actively participated in "WADEintoACTIVISM," a 16-day performing arts festival curated and produced by WADE, focusing on the urgent need to take action against gender-based violence and discrimination. Within the festival, two performances entitled "Noon" unfolded at the Art On Site studio in NYC on November 25th, 2023. Spearheaded by the artist Ahmed Guerfel, who serves as the Executive Director of "Danseurs Citoyens Sud". These performances integrated dance, visuals, and sound. Through these artistic mediums, "Noon" portrayed the critical and often challenging situations faced by Tunisian females in their homeland. The profound narrative aimed to not only uncover the harsh realities but also to inspire awareness, empathy, and a collective call to action against gender-based violence. Going beyond mere representation, "Noon" provided a critical examination of the application of policies designed to protect women and uphold principles of justice and tangible equality. Hence, the performances served as a powerful medium to depict and critique the effectiveness
Art Bootcamp H²: Music as a Healing Tool
H², short for Hear and Heal, is an artistic bootcamp that has been held from December 2nd to December 6th, 2023 at “No Name - Artistic Studio Lab” in Gabes, Tunisia. It was orchestrated by "Danseurs Citoyens Sud" organization in collaboration with "Sounds of Change", a foundation dedicated to training aid workers and educators in the integration of music as an empowering tool. Facilitated by two esteemed artists with extensive experience in the realm of music, participants were not only guided in refining their musical skills but were also immersed in a journey of self-discovery. Accordingly, the philosophy underlying this artistic bootcamp lies in the belief that music possesses the potential to ignite positive change amidst diverse struggles and painful human experiences. Within this experience, nine participants, hailing from diverse backgrounds and origins, actively collaborated and created powerful connections. Remarkably, they managed to uncover and celebrate commonalities in a poignant manner, showcasing the unifying and healing potential of music. In essence, the bootcamp not only elevated musical skills but also became a platform for forging connections, fostering understanding, and amplifying the impact of art in addressing shared human challenges.
Art Bootcamp “Current” Interviews: Participants
In an effort to enrich the cultural and artistic landscape in marginalized regions in the South of Tunisia, Danseurs Citoyens Sud worked on empowering Tunisian emerging young artists through cross-cultural collaborations. In October 2023, DCS organized, in collaboration with Company E, an art Bootcamp entitled “Current” and themed around the relationship between humans and water across various cultures. This significant topic has been tackled through different forms of performing arts at No Name artistic studio lab in Gabes,Tunisia. In this interview, our participants share feedback on the overall endeavor as well as their personal opinions regarding the bootcamp’s topic. They equally share insight into their experience with the three American artists who mentored them throughout the whole period of training. One major goal of artistic bootcamps is to raise awareness towards different social and cultural matters, create a sense of social responsibility and foster dialogue as a means of addressing issues. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEmmMuvuEkk
Art Bootcamp “Current” Interviews: Robert J.Priore (Trainer)
Robert J. Priore is a multifaceted artist in the world of dance, serving as a professional dancer, choreographer, and artistic director. In 2016, he founded PrioreDance and takes pride in being a founding member of Company E in Washington. As an outstanding artist, he received grants for original works from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities. He created a nationally televised piece for the Mark Twain Prize Award Ceremony in 2018 and won the Pola Nirenska Memorial Award in 2019. In this interview, Robert shares his perspectives regarding the art bootcamp’s theme: The relationship between humans and water across cultures and explains the importance of international collaborations to foster connections and find commonalities between different nations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xW5yQWm-78
Art Bootcamp “Current” Interviews: Amikaeyla Gaston (Trainer)
Amikaeyla Gaston is a gifted vocalist and a creative performer with a rich musical background. As the founder and executive director of the International Cultural Arts & Healing Sciences Institute, she has dedicated herself to the world of arts and healing. Furthermore, she serves as a cultural ambassador representing the United States State Department. Her journey in the world of music and performance began at the tender age of four when she embarked on classical piano training. It didn't take long for her to captivate audiences with her immense talent, performing alongside the National Symphony and gracing the stages of theatrical and musical productions. In this interview, she gives insight into her experience as a music trainer in “Current” art bootcamp and shares valuable information about its theme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xn7JRag_AY