August 2023
CH
Our second residency took place from April 8th to April 20th in Algeria, where we explored the captivating landscapes that stretch between Algiers and the mythical Tassili n’Ajjer National Park.
The residency unfolded in two distinct settings: the first in Algiers and the second in the lost cities of the Tassili n’Ajjer desert in South Algeria. The program focused on collaborative work among organizers, inter-artist collaboration, and shared group experiences, with no obligation for artists to produce specific outputs.
The Algiers phase occurred at Dar Eddrouj guesthouse, providing a serene atmosphere for the Transmitting Stones founders to convene, plan the next steps, and work on their project. Simultaneously, artists, meeting for the first time, enjoyed favorable conditions to connect, jam together, and record music.
The schedule included platform development reflections for Reda, Rim, and Sandro, as well as exchange/listening sessions, improvisation, and collective dinners. Notable activities included a visit to the old medina of Algiers (the Casbah) and an introduction to traditional music (Chaabi).
The second phase led us to the Algerian desert, with a 6-day trek organized by the Titcine Tour Touareg group. The trek aimed to explore cave paintings, draw inspiration from the desert landscape and soundscape, and engage in inspiring individual and collective reflections. During the trek, development continued for the three Transmitting Stones founders, accompanied by group discussions and interactions with the participant artists and the Touareg musicians.
Each participant had time for personal and collective introspection, accompanied by surprising discoveries of rock paintings and engravings in the cities of Tassili n’Ajjer, notably in the cities of Sefar and Jabbaren. Everyone immersed themselves in the juxtaposed memories of these civilizations, enjoying memorable desert sunsets.
This captivating residency aimed to unearth the participants' inherent humanity and patience, pushing them beyond their comfort zones. The harsh desert environment provided a profound contrast to the bustling noise of the city, offering a unique space for inspiration, rebirth, and new perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on every participant's lifetime.
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Participants: Manel Zahia Benchouk (ALG), Amal Yaakoubi (TN), Wren (CH), Ana Jikia (GE), Reda Mehenni (ALG), Rim Harrabi (TN), Sandro Bernasconi (CH)
Encounters in Switzerland: Basel Chamber Orchestra, Music Office Basel, Beyeler Foundation, Gannet venue, Ausstellungsraum Klingental, Tiny Satellite, Amber Unit, Kunstmuseum Basel, Juriaan Coiman (Culturescapes), One Drop Studio, Marcel Bieri (say Hi! Network).
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