Roya Khadjavi Projects + Frontview for Art and Architecture

2:30-5:30pm | Panel Discussion + Reception

 

Bread & Salt: Immigration policies, the ban, and their effect on artistic practice and discourse

This panel discussion derives its title from an old tradition shared by Middle Eastern and Eastern European cultures, a common manner of welcoming guests with a symbolic offering of bread and salt. With slightly different variations across regions the essential components of this offering represent symbolic bond of loyalty, friendship, trust, acceptance, and generosity; showing good will and the desire to create and maintain a bond together. This folk tradition traverses Judaism, Christianity and Islam. At this point of time when cultures are clashing at the intersections of politic and economy, we feel that it is necessary to dig into the basics and work on the possibilities of connection.

Prompting such positive symbolic and real methods of interaction, (on the occasion of Asia Contemporary Art Week) the program addresses immigration policies, the recent ban, and their effect on artistic practice and discourse. It aims to promote reflection on the challenges, needs, and possible approaches towards immigration from the perspective of cultural policies and cultural management in New York City.

In collaboration with ICON (Iranian Community of North East) and Nahid Siamdoost (author, journalist and professor at NYU Steinhardt)- an urgent and timely discussion with artists, policy makers, cultural producers, and institutional leaders, including Shahrzad Changalvaee (Artist), Felicity Hogan (Director of NYFA learning), Siddhartha Joag (Artist- Artistsaftey.net), Clarinda Mac Low (Director, Culture Push), Sebastien Sanz Santamaria (Director of Residency Unlimited), Laurel Ptak (Director, Art in General), Diya Vij (Special Projects, Commissioner’s Unit NYC Department of Cultural Affairs) and Laura Raicovich (Director, Queens Museum). Participating Artist: Basim Mardan, Poet Pen International

Rubin Foundation, 8th Floor> MAP
17 West 17th Street (5th and 6th Avenues)