The Art Persists Podcast

The Art Persists Podcast is back with Season 6! Join us for one of our best seasons yet as we chat to artists and activists from all around the world. We'll talk about some of the biggest threats facing the arts today, hear from those who are using their work to fight for freedom and justice globally no matter the cost, and have conversations with poets, writers, film makers and more about how art can help make the changes we want to see in society today. Join us for the first episode out Wednesday, 8 May 2024. We are on Patreon! If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider subscribing to support our costs. From as little as £3 a month. And don't forget to subscribe wherever you listen.

We chat to Sami Tamimi about his life growing up in East Jerusalem where he became interested in cooking after working in a hotel at the age of 17. His career took off when he moved first to Tel Aviv before settling permanently in London. Sami talks about the making of his cookbook, Falastin, which explores contemporary Palestinian food and tells the story of the Palestinians he met along the way. We also discuss how he has been coping since the October 7 attacks and subsequent siege on Gaza which at the time of recording has killed more than 20,000 people. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-sami-tamimi Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

We speak to Standing Together about their grassroots movement working towards peace and justice for Palestinians and Israelis. The organisation gives us insight into Israeli attitudes towards Palestinians, particularly since the October 7 attacks and Israel's subsequent siege on Gaza. We end discussing their Theory of Change towards an equal and just future. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-standing-together Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

We are joined by Palestinian artist, activist, DJ, and producer Nour Palestina. We chat to Nour about her project, Refugee Chronicles, where she interviews survivors of the 1948 Nakba which saw 700,000 Palestinians forcibly displaced and a further 15,000 killed. Nour talks about her project and its eerie parallels to Gaza today where over 1.8 million people have been internally displaced and at least 15,500 have been killed since 7 October 2023. She talks about media bias and the role of social media in unveiling the truth. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-nour-palestina Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

In this episode, we are joined by Kurdish poet and journalist Nedim Türfent. The conversation focuses on Nedim’s recent release from prison in Turkey, where he spent 6 years and 7 months imprisoned for his journalism. We talk about his dedication to exposing Turkey’s brutal treatment of Kurdish communities which led to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment after an incredibly unfair trial. Throughout the episode, Nedim talks about poetry as a form of resistance, something that kept him alive for all those years he was kept imprisoned and, for much of it, under solitary confinement. We are honoured to all hear Nedim recite two of his poems; Let My Heart Give Life, and Searching Trails of You, in English for the first time. Towards the end, poet Ege Dündar joins us to read the letter he sent Nedim on his release. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-nedim-turfent Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

In the episode we chat with Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera about her 30-year career as a pioneering artist advocating artistic freedom and human rights in Cuba and beyond. We discuss how she uses art as a tool of social change, transforming her audience into “citizens” to bring about real change. She coins the practice Arte Útil - art as a tool. We go on to discuss the systematic oppression she has faced for her work at the hands of the Cuban state, beginning thirty years ago with the publication of a magazine to today where she lives in forced exile. We end with Bruguera discussing her complex relationship with institutions and the controversy surrounding her current exhibition at the Museo de la Solidaridad Salvador Allende in Chile. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-tania-bruguera Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

In this episode, we talk to Forensic Architecture, a research agency based at Goldsmiths, University of London, renowned for investigating human rights violations globally. We speak to one of Forensic Architecture’s Lead Researchers (who will not be named), about the dire situation in Gaza since Israel’s siege began. They talk about the work they are doing to use evidence-based research to uncover the truth and document human rights abuses as the death toll of civilians reaches 10,000 people in one month. The conversation continues to talk more about Forensic Architecture’s work in Gaza as well as the West Bank and Israel. The team have released preliminary analysis to cast doubt on Israel’s claim that they were not responsible for bombing of Al-Ahli Hospital on 17 October 2023. Using techniques including visual analysis, sound, testimonials, and more, Forensic Architecture were also able to provide evidence in the murder of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh as well as uncover invisible tactics of occupation including the lost mass graves in Tantura from 1948, and the herbicidal warfare against Gaza. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Find links and more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-forensic-architecture Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

In the Season 4 finale of the Art Persists podcast, we speak to multi & interdimensional artist Murugiah. We talk about his early life growing up in Wales, and his turn away from architecture to art. He discusses finding his unique style, combining bright, bold colours with surrealism and his Sri Lankan identity. We end talking about his wonderful commission for this year’s Refugee Week, and his exploration into public art. His upcoming 3D sculpture installation, Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos, will launch this month in Greenwich Peninsula. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Find out more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-murugiah Learn more about MURUGIAH’s work: https://murugiah.com/ Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

In the latest episode of the Art Persists podcast, we speak to filmmaker, curator, and member of AVAH Collective, Parwana Haydar. We discuss Parwana’s work and the Afghan artists who have influenced her the most. We then talk about her participation in AVAH Collective, connecting Afghan artists around the world and working to recall the art history of Afghanistan. AVAH’s latest exhibition, CHILDHOOD(S) - of memories in art, is on at Haus Coburg until 10 September. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. More information: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-avah-collective Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong joins us for the latest episode of the Art Persists podcast. We chat about his early life growing up in Hong Kong, at the time still under the control of the British. He then talks about his participation in Hong Kong’s 2014 Umbrella Movement and 2019 Anti-extradition Law Movement, using his work to connect with fellow protestors and using humour to mock and ridicule the authorities. The conversation ends with Kacey talking about his difficult decision to leave Hong Kong forever, self-exiling to Taiwan. As always, if you are enjoying Art Persists please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more about Kacey’s work: http://www.kaceywong.com/ Learn more about Bosla Arts: https://www.boslaarts.com/

In this episode, we speak to architect Sofia Karim about her work as an architect and also as an activist. She talks about her move into art-activism after the imprisonment of her uncle, the renowned photographer Shahidul Alam. Since that moment, Sofia has dedicated much of her career to art-activism, campaigning for the release of political prisoners worldwide. As always, if you are enjoying Art Persists please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Sofia Karim is an architect based in London. Her practice combines architecture, visual art and activism. She campaigns for the release of political prisoners across India and Bangladesh. Her work has been exhibited at venues including Tate Modern (London), V&A (London), Coventry Cathedral (UK), The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum (UK), CCLM (Chile), Museo Franklin Rawson (Argentina), Rubin Museum (NY), Wrightwood 659 (Chicago) and Documenta 15 (Steidl/ Kunsthaus Göttingen). Learn more about Sofia’s work here.

We speak to Syrian cinematographer and filmmaker, Ayman Alhussein. In the episode, we hear about his early life growing up in Syria and taking part in the revolution in 2011 before making the impossible decision to leave - first to Turkey before finally coming to the UK. We talk about the making of AYMAN and his more recent film Matar, and the importance of lived experience in filmmaking. As always, if you are enjoying Art Persists please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Watch AYMAN here. Stream Matar here.

We are back! Launching Season 4 with a special episode recorded live during Refugee Week in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts. The conversation brought together 3 renowned artists Laura Nyahuye, Ghafar Tajmohammad, and Olga Tkachenko, together, we spoke about the place of art in mental health recovery, along with resilience and it’s limitations in each of the artists’ contexts; from addressing social issues through art, to the Afghan diaspora experience, and finally escaping war in Ukraine.In this episode, we are lucky to include music by USTAVI, who also performed during the event. As always, if you are enjoying Art Persists please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard.

In this episode, we speak to choreographer and activist Donna Miranda. Donna talks about her upbringing as a dancer and choreographer in the Philippines before transforming her practice into activism during President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs in 2016. She now works as a land activist, promoting the rights of farmers - leading to her unjust arrest in June 2022.Thank you to Donna for joining us for this episode. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard.Sign the petition in support of Donna and Tinang 83: https://www.change.org/p/resist-intensifying-fascism-in-the-philippines-drop-all-charges-against-the-tinang-83

In this episode, we speak to Shilo Shiv Suleman, artist and founder of The Fearless Collective. Shilo describes finding her voice as a artist starting at the age of just 13, founding The Fearless Collective - working with communities across the world to create resistance through creativity, and how through the collective she visualises a fairer future.Thank you to Shilo for joining us for this episode. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard.Shilo Shiv Suleman is an award-winning Indian artist whose work lives and breathes at the intersection of Magical Realism, Art, Nature, Culture, Technology, and Social Justice. She began her career at 16 as a children’s book illustrator and had 10 published books by the time she was 20. As an INK fellow, her work became known when her talk made it to TED.com, and got just under a million views in 2012.She is the founder and director of the Fearless Collective- a growing movement of hundreds of artists replacing fear with love in public spaces and the frontlines of resistance movements.She has worked with communities across the world in 16 different countries by facilitating and leading public art interventions and has painted over 40 murals with indigenous communities in Brazil, refugee and migrant communities in Beirut, queer activists in South Africa and transgender activists in Pakistan and more.

In this episode, we speak to Ahmed Tobasi, Artistic Director of The Freedom Theatre in the heart of Jenin Refugee Camp in Palestine. We discuss his own experience growing up under occupation and ultimately finding theatre after being imprisoned at the age of just 17. Tobasi talks about theatre as a form of resistance, uniting communities, and giving children their childhood back.Thank you to Tobasi for joining us for this episode. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard.The Freedom Theatre is a community-based theatre and cultural centre in Jenin Refugee Camp, occupied Palestine that uses culture as a form of resistance.The Art Persists Podcast listeners can get 15% off Bosla Arts’ 2nd issue, Beyond Resilience, with the code: TAPP.Find out more about The Freedom Theatre:https://thefreedomtheatre.org/

We speak to Turkish artist, poet, and activist Ege Dündar about his experience of forced exile following the persecution of his father in Turkey, his debut poetry book, All These Things Aren’t Really Lost, and how solidarity acts as ‘medicine’ against oppression.Thank you to Ege for joining us for this episode. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard.Ege Dündar is a 28 year old writer and activist from Turkey. He has been working at PEN International campaigning for free expression for nearly 7 years across various projects and positions, most recently as Youth Engagement Coordinator. His debut poetry book All These Things Aren’t Really Lost is due out from Black Spring Press soon. He produced a report for German foundation Körber Stiftung on the state of Exile Media in Europe. Ege was also contributor in our latest issue, Beyond Resilience.Find out more about Ege: https://www.instagram.com/egedundar

We speak to Chinese artist Badiucao. In the episode, Badiucao talks about his self-exile from China, becoming a dissident artist who uses his work to stand up to Xi Jinping’s regime and other authoritarian governments. He also draws on the ongoing threat he faces by the Chinese government, extending beyond China to Hong Kong, Australia, and the rest of the world.Thank you to Badiucao for joining us for this episode. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard.Learn more about his work: https://www.badiucao.com/

In this episode, we speak to artist Gianluca Costantini. We talk about his expansive career - becoming a voice for political prisoners worldwide through his drawing, and telling human stories with books including Libia.Thank you to Gianluca for joining us for this episode and Elettra Stamboulis for interpreting. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard. Gianluca Costantini is an activist and artist who for years fought his battles through the drawing. Accused of terrorism by the Turkish government, he angered many French readers for a short comic about Charlie Hebdo‘s terrorist story. He actively collaborates with ActionAid, Amnesty, Emergency, ARCI and Oxfam organisations. His latest books are Patrick Zaki, una storia egiziana for Feltrinelli, Libia for Mondadori, among others. Elettra Stamboulis, is a curator and comic writer based in Ravenna, Italy. As a curator, she presented Marjane Satrapi's, Joe Sacco's, Zograf's personal exhibitions and many others international drawers in Italy; she is the founder and curator of Komikazen International Festival of Reality Comics, taking place in Ravenna since 2005. Learn more about Gianluca's work: https://www.channeldraw.org/

In this episode, we speak to artist eL Seed about his phenomenal career creating immense works in public spaces; from a mural on a minaret in his hometown of Gabes in Tunisia, to a vast mural across the neighbourhood of Manshiyat Nasr in Cairo. We talk about his practice and how he uses art as a way of challenging perceptions and creating unity amongst people. If you are enjoying The Art Persists Podcast, please FOLLOW, RATE, and SHARE. Only with your help can these stories be heard. eL Seed uses Arabic calligraphy and a distinctive style to spread messages of peace, unity and to underline the commonalities of human existence. His artwork can be found all over the world and consistently aim at unifying communities and redressing stereotypes. His work has been shown in exhibitions and in public places all over the world including most notably on the façade of L’Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, in the favelas of Rio di Janeiro, on the DMZ in between North and South Korea, in the slums of Cape Town and in the heart of Cairo’s garbage collectors neighbourhood. In 2017, he won the UNESCO Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture. He was named a Global Thinker in 2016 by Foreign Policy for his project ‘Perception’ in Cairo. In 2013, he collaborated with Louis Vuitton on their famous ‘Foulard d’Artiste’. The Art Persists Podcast listeners can get 15% off Bosla Arts’ 1st magazine, In Defiance, with the code: TAPP. Learn more about his work: https://elseed-art.com/