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Diwan al-Fan is an artist-run initiative and artists-in-residence program that aims to promote contemporary art, music and film from Yemen. The residency program was launched in November 2017 and seeks to foster cross-cultural dialogue through screenings, exhibitions, workshops and open panel discussions.
The program closed its first session on 29 November 2017. This fall, the residency program achieved its aim to host photographer-in-residence Hanan Ishaq and filmmaker-in-residence Osama Khaled in a four-week program, during which they were able to take a step back from their usual cultural surroundings and immerse themselves in Berlin’s multi-faceted art scene. This includes but is not limited to studio visits, artists’ talks, and institutional and commercial exhibitions. This program intends to foster a nurturing creative space where artists are free to explore and develop current or future projects.
Still shot from video
The artists-in-residence
Hanan Ishaq is a Sana’a based freelance writer and conceptual photographer. Ishaq first embarked upon photography in 2011 through documenting the uprisings and civil unrest in her native land. She later turned her camera inward, using conceptual photography to portray her identity and struggles as a woman in a war-torn country. Her photography reflects her perceptions on social philosophy and women’s rights in Yemen.
Osama Khaled is a Sana’a based filmmaker. He is a graduate of the Faculty of Information at the University of Sana’a and has over five years’ experience in graphic design, film production and directing. Khaled was a principal film director and editor at Afro1 Productions, where he created short documentary films during one of Yemen’s most critical periods of war and conflict.
Al-Madaniya magazine is pleased to present VIDEO 02: Diwan al-Fan Artists-in-Residence. We encourage all Yemeni artists, animators and creatives to submit their work for future issues.