Born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tara Asgar (documented name Ali Asgar) is a multidisciplinary transgender (She/Her) artist, educator, and activist focusing on themes of gender and desire. Her early career and activism challenged conservative gender norms in Bangladesh, particularly concerning sexuality and eroticism. Witnessing the tragic murders of LGBTQIA+ activists Xulhaz Mannan and Mahabub […]
Musician in Residence, 2024 Artist-composer, Kanunist and educator Firas Zreik has performed and recorded across the world as a leader and highly sought collaborator since 2013. A sonic revolutionary, the Palestine-born New Yorker has transformed global perception of the Kanun. His treatment of the instrument preserves its identity as a vital part of the Maqam
Visual Artist in Residence, 2024 Kabir Mokamel is a visual artist and activist who has enjoyed international success in his career as a painter, graphic designer, creative director, and graffiti artist. In addition to his work as co-founder and creative director of the art activism organization ArtLords, Mokamel continues his independent art practice, which focuses
Visual Artist in Residence, 2024 Aida Sulova’s work reflects her upbringing in the Soviet Union and her experiences as a multi-disciplinary artist and independent curator from Kyrgyzstan. She utilizes memory and storytelling as central themes in her artistic practice to explore concepts such as collective memory, nation-building, and the role of individuals within larger social
Writer in Residence, 2023 Sahraa Karimi is a film director, scriptwriter and university Lecturer from Afghanistan. She belongs to the second generation of Afghan migrants in Iran. In December 2001, when she was 17 years old, she immigrated to the Slovak Republic. Sahraa studied at the Academy of Music and Performing Arts, Film and TV in
Musician in Residence, 2022-2023 Ahmad Fanoos is a well-known Afghan vocalist and harmonium player, having headlined and performed in live and televised performances in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Russia, and beyond. Ahmad has been recognized with many prestigious awards, including the Best Artist Award in Afghanistan (2008) and the Golden Voice Award in Dubai (2012). He
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