Strengthening Cultural Collaborations Between Jordan and Tunisia
In October 2024, Hadi Nahleh, a prominent Jordanian choreographer, curator, and cultural expert, participated in the SEE Djerba International Media Art Project, a unique festival of new media art held in Houmt Souk, Djerba, Tunisia. The festival, which ran from October 6-8, showcased innovative media art installations, bringing together artists from Tunisia, Europe, and beyond in a celebration of public art, ecological awareness, and cultural heritage.
“It is incredibly wonderful to witness so many young volunteers serving as the cornerstones of a healthy and remarkable festival delivery.” – Hadi Nahleh
Network Activation
Hadi was invited to the festival by Ahmad Guerfal, founder and artistic director of Dance Citizen South in Gabes, Tunisia. This invitation is part of a broader effort to foster stronger artistic ties between Jordan and Tunisia. Along with Amin Gharbi, director and founder of the INTERFERENCE International Light Art Project in Tunis, and Safi Al Sakran, founder of Medi Arts, Hadi participated in a series of strategic meetings aimed at building a roadmap for future cultural collaborations. These meetings explored opportunities for joint artistic projects, exchange programs, and initiatives to strengthen the connection between the Jordanian and Tunisian art scenes.
SEE Djerba: A Revival of Public and Media Art
The SEE Djerba festival, first founded in 2017 by artistic directors Aymen Gharbi and Bettina Pelz, is a platform dedicated to showcasing media art in public spaces. Interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2024 edition marked a significant revival, allowing artists to once again transform the historic streets and squares of Houmt Souk into an open-air gallery. The festival emphasizes accessibility, breaking down traditional barriers by bringing contemporary art directly to the public.
As part of the festival, Hadi contributed to discussions around the role of contemporary media art in addressing pressing issues such as environmental sustainability. The 2024 theme, “Water X Salt,” centered on the ecological challenges faced by Djerba and the wider Mediterranean region. The artworks explored the island’s salt lakes, or chotts, and their cultural and environmental significance, while also addressing the broader implications of water scarcity and climate change.
the importance of this partnership might inspire other arab countries to join. this is our wish!
Strengthening Jordan-Tunisia Artistic Exchange
Hadi’s participation in SEE Djerba underscores his ongoing commitment to building cultural bridges between Jordan and Tunisia. As the founder and artistic director of Studio 8 in Amman and co-curator of the IDEA Festival (International Dance Encounter Amman), Hadi has long advocated for greater collaboration among artists from the Arab region. His involvement in SEE Djerba reflects his dedication to creating opportunities for artistic exchange and fostering a shared sense of cultural heritage through contemporary art.
The meetings held during the festival in Djerba aimed to formalize a plan for joint initiatives between Jordan and Tunisia, focusing on contemporary dance, media art, and public art. These efforts highlight the potential for future projects that will engage both local and international audiences, promoting intercultural dialogue and sustainable development through art.
"We're infusing culture with new perspectives—it's all about transcending boundaries through art."
Art as a Tool for Environmental Awareness
One of the key focuses of the SEE Djerba festival was its emphasis on the intersection between art and ecological awareness. The festival’s installations not only beautified public spaces but also served as powerful commentaries on environmental issues. Djerba’s unique natural heritage, particularly its salt lakes and water management challenges, provided rich inspiration for artists.
Hadi’s involvement in this project aligns with his broader mission to use art as a medium for social change and environmental advocacy. By participating in SEE Djerba, Hadi continues to position himself as a thought leader in the use of contemporary art to address global issues, such as water scarcity and climate change, while remaining deeply rooted in local contexts.
Looking Ahead: New Collaborations and Projects
The success of SEE Djerba 2024 and the meetings conducted during the festival laid the groundwork for future collaborations between Jordan and Tunisia. The roadmap established by Hadi Nahleh, Ahmad Guerfal, Amin Gharbi, and Safi Al Sakran is expected to result in a series of joint artistic ventures, including media art projects, dance performances, and residencies that will bring together artists from both countries.
Hadi’s participation in this influential festival is a testament to his ongoing efforts to elevate Jordan’s profile in the global arts community, while also advocating for the role of art in fostering intercultural understanding and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
Through these collaborations, the artistic communities of Jordan and Tunisia are poised to continue pushing the boundaries of contemporary media art, creating works that not only engage audiences but also provoke critical reflections on the challenges and opportunities facing the Arab region today.
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