MISAHAT PODCAST – The importance of Visual Arts in depicting the environmental dilemma with a plug
In this episode of the Misahat Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Ahmed Jlassi, a distinguished individual hailing from Tunisia. Ahmed is not only a talented photographer but also a professor and an accomplished artist. During the conversation, our guest generously shared his extensive experiences, particularly focusing on his teaching endeavors in Gabes, where he imparted valuable insights on the critical subjects of climate justice and pollution. Ahmed's contributions extend further as he delves into the pivotal role that photography plays in shedding light on the current environmental challenges in Gabes, with a particular emphasis on Chat Salem. Additionally, Ahmed shares his invaluable experiences in guiding and mentoring photography enthusiasts who participated in an artistic bootcamp that took place from September 11th to September 17th, 2023, at No Name Artistic Studio Lab. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRScma0MXWk Danseurs Citoyens Sud · أهمية الفنون البصرية في تصوير مخلفات المعضلة البيئية بقابس
MISAHAT PODCAST – Performing Arts and their role in translating pressing issues
In this episode of the "Misahat Podcast," we had the honor of hosting Sheima Ouakajja, a Tunisian artist whose profound passion for theater exudes a powerful resonance. Sheima delves into the profound importance of art as a potent instrument for highlighting urgent social and environmental issues. Furthermore, she shares valuable insights regarding her involvement in the art bootcamp organized by "Danseurs Citoyens Sud," which unfolded from September 11th to 17th ,2023. The bootcamp was centered around the theme of climate justice and had the overarching objective of shedding light on environmental injustices in Gabes through a diverse array of artistic expressions. By employing art as a tool for advocacy, the bootcamp created a space for artists to voice their concerns, engage the community, and engage in dialogue about the pressing social and environmental issues affecting the local citizens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fljJ9j23AQE Danseurs Citoyens Sud · الفنون الأدائية و دورها في ترجمة القضايا الملحّة
Photography Exhibition
The "Art for Climate Justice" festival, held from October 1st to 7th, 2023, was a remarkable collaborative initiative involving several organizations, namely "Danseurs Citoyens Sud," "Hivos," "Collective Creative," the "Stop Pollution" movement, and the "Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment." This significant event took place at No Name - Artistic Studio Lab, Gabes, Tunisia. A particularly noteworthy aspect of this festival was the photography team which seized an extraordinary opportunity to venture into “Chat Salem”, an area in Gabes ravaged by pollution and the disposal of Phosphogypsum waste. Their mission was to engage directly with the local citizens, listen to their concerns, and obtain their consent for a photoshoot that would highlight the lives of these individuals in an environment tainted by contamination. The exhibition took place from 1 to 5 October 2023 and vividly encapsulated this concept. Each photograph served as a window into the intricate interplay between nature, society, and climate justice in this region. 'Reverberations of Chat Salem' invites viewers to contemplate the profound connections between humanity and the environment, sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of our collective role in addressing these critical issues. This collaborative endeavor was firmly rooted in the belief that art possesses
Performing Arts Experience
The "Art for Climate Justice" festival was a collaborative effort between “Danseurs Citoyens Sud” , "Hivos," "collective creative", the "stop pollution" movement, and the "Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment." It was held from October 1st to 7th, 2023 at No Name - artistic studio lab. This event united six talented performing artists, each hailing from diverse backgrounds, to vividly depict the environmental challenges faced in Gabes. Through a captivating fusion of art and activism, the performing arts team conveyed the pressing environmental concerns in Gabes with great depth, leaving a profound impact on the emotions and thoughts of the audience. Their performance is a profound exploration of space, time, and the human body as vehicles for climate justice expression. It starts in an energetically charged void, symbolizing the urgency of our climate crisis, and evolves into new dimensions. Embracing the "Here and Now," it captures the immediate need for action. Through raw vocalization and expressive breathing, it emotionally engages the audience, highlighting the critical importance of climate justice. Hence, it was a heartfelt journey that invoked strong emotions and served as an urgent call for action. This artistic endeavor successfully illuminated the dire need for climate justice in the region, urging
Light Art Exhibition
Taking place from October 1st to 7th, 2023, the "Art for Climate Justice" festival brought together a consortium of organizations including "Danseurs Citoyens Sud," "Hivos," "Collective Creative," the "Stop Pollution" movement, and the "Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment." This impactful event unfolded at the No Name Artistic Studio Lab in Gabes. Amidst the festival's vibrant atmosphere, a group of visionary artists specializing in light art “ Interference_light_art Group” seized the opportunity to shed light on the urgent environmental concerns in Gabes from 3 to 5 October, 2023. They accomplished this through the innovative technique of projection mapping, skillfully using visual projections to illuminate the pressing issues that the region faces. Their creative endeavor not only showcased the power of art as a medium of expression but also effectively communicated the gravity of environmental challenges within Gabes to a broader audience. The audience was immersed in a sensory experience and a compelling narrative that depicts the pressing environmental issues affecting marginalized communities in Tunisia. The festival served as a platform for these artists to combine their talents with a shared commitment to climate justice. Their work illuminated the need for immediate action to address environmental issues, emphasizing the critical role that art
CALL FOR ARTISTS – CURRENT BOOTCAMP
We are seeking dedicated Tunisian dancers, musicians, and singers to be part of our upcoming Art Bootcamp, taking place from October 9th to 14th, 2023 at No Name- artistic studio lab. This art bootcamp is a dynamic collaboration between the american dance education and interdisciplinary arts organization “Company E” and “Danseurs Citoyens Sud”, serving as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and artistic enrichment. Through this partnership, artists from different backgrounds and disciplines come together to share their unique perspectives, techniques, and creative energies. “Company E” is a modern dance company and arts organization located in the heart of Washington, DC, with a strong focus on fostering global partnerships with leading choreographers, dancers, composers, filmmakers, and contemporary artists from around the world. The Bootcamp’s performance (CURRENT) serves as the grand finale of an intensive 5-day program encompassing masterclasses in vocal techniques, drumming, contemporary dance, and skill enhancement. Over these days, participants will engage with Company E artists to acquire technical expertise, delve into choreography and musical work, actively contribute to the work process, and engage in discussions regarding capacity building and fostering artistic entrepreneurship. Criteria of selectionArtistic Experience in the field of dance/music/theater.Artistic merit and creativity.Potential to raise awareness and drive positive change.Submission Deadline:
MISAHAT PODCAST – Physical expression and theater at the service of environmental causes
In this episode of “Misahat Podcast”, we had the honor of hosting Assem Bettouhami, a true artist with roots in the city of Gabes. As a gifted actor, director, and dancer, Assem played a pivotal role in guiding participants through the world of performing arts during the Art Bootcamp held from September 11th to 17th, 2023 at No Name - Artistic Studio Lab and implemented by “Danseurs Citoyens Sud”. Join us as we dive deep into Assem's incredible journey from Gabes to the global stage, and discover how his artistic pursuits intersect with his commitment to the environment. Assem brings a unique perspective to the table, showcasing how the performing arts can be a powerful medium for raising awareness about climate justice and the pressing problem of pollution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cT7_ZAJVnU Danseurs Citoyens Sud · التعبير الجسدي و المسرح في خدمة القضايا البيئية
ARTISTIC BOOTCAMP SEPTEMBER 2023
"Danseurs Citoyens Sud" orchestrated a socially significant art bootcamp that unfolded from September 11 to 17, 2023, at NO Name Artistic Studio Lab. Central to this immersive experience was the overarching theme of "climate justice," with a particular focus on addressing the environmental challenges faced by marginalized areas. What made this initiative even more powerful was the collaboration with influential organizations such as "Hivos," the "Collective Creative" association, the "Stop Pollution" movement, and the "Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment." This collaborative effort stemmed from a shared conviction in the potent capacity of art to be a force for change, shedding light on the plight of marginalized communities and addressing environmental injustices that are often overlooked.This opportunity served as a crucible for artistic exploration and expression, encompassing three distinct art disciplines, each led by a prominent figure in their respective fields. Under the expert guidance of Assem Bettouhami, a luminary in the realm of performing arts, participants delved deep into the world of stagecraft, leveraging the power of performance to champion the cause of climate justice. Meanwhile, the realm of photography, facilitated by the accomplished Ahmed Jlassi, provided a lens through which attendees captured the poignant stories and struggles
CALL FOR ARTISTS
We are seeking students, passionate young artists and creatives to join us on the artistic bootcamp and share there inspirational ideas, learn and exchange. The central objective of this call is to convene a gathering of engaged young artists, creative Tunisian artists, creatives, and designers who share a profound commitment to social and climate justice. Together, their collaborative efforts will give rise to impactful artworks with the potential to seize the attention of decision-makers and the broader public alike. The artwork will serve as a potent medium to spotlight and address the deep-seated inequalities and injustices stemming from the disregard for the social and environmental rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities. By channeling their passion and creativity, the selected participants will infuse their distinctive artistic perspectives into the creation of inspiring visual and performing arts that are set to ignite conversations, inspire change, and foster a heightened awareness of these critical issues. The bootcamp will be facilitated by skilled artists specialized in different art sections. As part of the "Voices for Climate Action" (VCA) program, Hivos, Danseurs Citoyens Sud, the Collective Creatif Association, the Stop Pollution Movement, and the Observatory for Food Sovereignty and the Environment are organizing the "Art for Climate Justice Festival"
Noon Exhibition: A Tribute to Empower Women Silenced by Violence
"MISAHAT NOON" is an initiative dedicated to honoring the women whose voices have been repressed by violence. This project is a year-long endeavor that delves deep into the root causes and far-reaching consequences of gender-based violence, exploring its impact on individuals and entire communities. Hence, our mission is to ensure that the victims’ names are never forgotten. One substantial part of the project incorporated the creation of a poignant showcase entitled "Noon Exhibition", a collaborative effort between the talented photographer Jilani Ben Cheikh and the organization “Danseurs Citoyens Sud”. The esteemed artist conducted a month-and-a-half-long artistic residency where he aimed to present an art exhibition with various expressions, primarily based on photographic images, at the premises of "No Name" Artistic Studio Lab. After its opening on July 30 at the Cultural Center 'NO NAME’, "NOON" exhibition became a powerful reflection of the program's results and outcomes. Through the impactful medium of powerful photographs, it conveyed essential messages advocating for the urgent need to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality and peaceful coexistence.As attendees visited the exhibition, they were granted a distinct chance to intimately connect with the artworks, thereby acquiring a more profound insight into the hardships confronted by marginalized women.