10th anniversary of the European Lab
The Lab is a project by Arty Farty, launched with the support of the European Union with the ambition to bring together, on a dedicated platform, a shared reflection on the future of culture in Europe.
Yousra: “It brings me this light of hope to finally hear people with whom I identify, talk about subjects that touch me deeply…”
A few weeks ago, events took place in Brussels around different thematics. First day was about migration narratives. Testimonies of migrants, stories of hospitality, debates as well as artistic performances were presented. Second day centered on music industry and gender equality, focusing on providing tools for individuals to combat gender-based violence and achieve equality.
Humans in the EU was there and is happy to present a few glimpses, thoughts, close ups and feelings of some of the participants
Sulaiman Addonia (Eritrean-Ethiopian author living in Brussels): “I hate the expression ‘being a voice for the voiceless’. Nobody in this world should be considered voiceless.”
Sara: “I am optimistic in the fact that by acting all together, we can fight the systematisation of human rights violations.”
Anna: “Maybe … we need more European policy makers who actually have a refugee background! There just needs to be refugee representation and participation on the European stage.
Marie: “I do anything I can, both from an academic and an activist perspective, in order to make Europe better and more inclusive“.
Borode: ”I feel good today! I just turned 30. Hehe, yes it’s my birthday!”
Aaron: “I also feel good because my birthday is tomorrow! We’re here because I work on migration, so tonight’s events are very interesting for me.”
Ryan “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to an event like this. A physical event! It’s so good to feel to the thrill of it again.”
Maya-Ajmiya from Bledarte: “I felt at home tonight. I felt comfortable, I felt heard.”
*Bledarte is a Brussels-based, bilingual collective of female artists, DJs and event managers with an immigrant background.
Rojin: “The question of gentrification touches me because I am living it, daily. And to expose these realities with a broader public, also means to make yourself vulnerable…”
Milady: “If I’m here, it’s because I like to link poetic language to the political discourse”
Myriam “My heart is a little heavy I think because I’m feeling emotional. I love them (Bledarte) very much and I’m very happy I got to see them. It was a very interesting panel.”
Mim Suleiman (singer, songwriter, composer, performer, workshop facilitator and campaigner from Zanzibar.): “I’m really excited to be able to share my thoughts on solidarity with my brothers and sisters across the world!”
Photos by artist Deborah Ephrem.📸
@bozarbrussels
