Nov. 12: Sights, sounds of Syria
CAS, English Language Institute launch Arts Bridging Cultures Series with program on Syria
10:22 a.m., Nov. 9, 2015--The University of Delaware English Language Institute will partner with the College of Arts and Sciences’ international artist in residence program for a night of painting, chants and an alternate storytelling of Syrian culture on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Perkins Student Center.
The event, the first in the Arts Bridging Culture Series, will feature international artist in residence Emad (Jano) Hemede, along with musician Jason Hamacher, founder of Lost Origin Productions and Lost Origin Sound Series, and Xiang Gao, Trustees Distinguished Professor of Music.
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Hemede, a Syrian painter and sculptor originally from Aleppo, immigrated to the United States after the outbreak of war in 2011.
Since, he has worked on a number of projects that simultaneously share a deep curiosity of the United States and hopeful faith in the colors, stories and futures of Syria.
Those in attendance will view a gallery of Hemede’s work as an introduction to the artist, who will paint, sculpt, participate in workshops with students and faculty, and design interactive elements to his residency throughout the next year.
Hamacher, originally a punk drummer from Washington, D.C., and now an internationally recognized photographer, writer and public speaker, will tell the story of how, in 2005, he was granted permission to record the oldest chant traditions of the Syrian Orthodox church.
In addition, Gao will lead the performance of a Syrian-inspired original piece alongside Colin Miller, UD director of global arts, and several music students.
As the inaugural event in the Arts Bridging Cultures Series, the featured artists will bring together the University community for an interactive discussion around culture, heritage, and how people define themselves.
The event will take place beginning at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in the Perkins Student Center. It is free and open to the public, although registration is encouraged. Refreshments will be served.
About the Arts Bridging Cultures Series
The Arts Bridging Cultures Series is an initiative by the English Language Institute (ELI) to promote cross-cultural interaction and create a campus in which the lives of students are enriched through meaningful, experiential exploration of diversity.
The increased presence of students from diverse background presents numerous challenges but, more importantly, provides unique opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.
About the international artist in residence program
The College of Arts and Sciences’ international artist in residence program (AiR) is designed to promote cultural understanding and to further internationalize campus life through integrating art and artists from around the world into classroom and extracurricular learning.
Each year, AiR hosts an international artist, who interacts with the University and larger Delaware community through workshops, performances, exhibits and other similar activities while also producing original work. Through these programs, the artist enables UD faculty, staff and students to see the world through their own distinctive eye.
Artists who participate in the program are at various stages in their careers and work in all disciplines, including the visual, performing, literary, technical and interdisciplinary arts.