Dreaming in a Desert Place

  • October 2015
  • Newlyn Art Gallery
  • Photography: Steve Tanner

In a society undergoing reconstruction, we have to lay down the foundations of what we would like to have for our future: Art as the cement of a new society, art as a constructive practice and a commitment to social and intercultural cohesion. But, also art to create the new forgotten areas of exchange (…)

Art and Social Fabric
Dream City 2015, Tunis

A benefit evening dedicated to children living in the Medina in Tunis who dream about making films and creating a better world.

Since the Arab Spring in 2011, Tunisia has struggled with serious political and economical issues. Although it has remained democratic, the economy is strained, the security situation remains precarious and the country continuously tries to find a balance between protecting democratic freedoms and battling the forces, which want to destroy these freedoms. Recent terrorists attacks at the Bordo National Museum in Tunis and in Sousse only deepened the economical struggle directly effecting the tourist industry.

Many people feel blocked and hopeless, but artists keep fighting through their art for freedom of expression and democracy. During the evening we presented profiles of some Tunisian visual artists, poets and musicians. We also had a Skype interview with a writer and journalist Hatem Bourial.

The aim of the evening was to raise the money for the children film club in Tunis, but most importantly it was about raising the awareness of the situation in Tunisia and sharing the work of incredible artists who live there.

Poems read by: Mary Woodvine

Photos by: Steve Tanner

The evening was organized by Merecdes Kemp and Agnieszka Blonska in collaboration with Newlyn Art Gallery and Wildworks Theatre.