The Back Room and Sazmanab
We are Ava Ansari and Molly Kleiman of The Back Room, a curatorial and pedagogical project that facilitates exchanges between artists and writers in the United States and Iran. We collaborate with Sohrab Kashani of Sazmanab, alongside other artists and art spaces, to organise workshops, exhibitions, and public talks between New York and Tehran. Our interest lies in developing a sustained conversation between the two cities by creating opportunities to discuss contemporary art, performance, new media, and social engagement.
Until now, the workshops we organise often take the form of one- or two-day standalone events. We propose to plan the next workshop as a longer-term series developed collaboratively with its participants. This meeting opens an invitation to become involved and to shape the direction of the programme. What would you like to discuss? What questions or concerns feel urgent?
We can imagine sharing resources from New York, including opportunities for collaboration with other artist groups, translation of materials between Farsi and English, and sessions led by established artists. At the same time, we are interested in organising the programme around your interests and priorities. This gathering marks the beginning of an open conversation.
Venue: Sazmanab (Sazman-e Ab St.)
Date: February 10, 2012
Time: 7–7:30 PM
