Aswat Al Raseef - Sound of the Sidewalk in Amman, Jordan
Working alongside Berlin-based radio station Refuge Worldwide and 7Hills Skatepark in Amman, in 2022 we delivered four weeks of radio-based workshops and public lectures from 7Hills’ Urban Education Centre, accumulating in the official opening of an online radio station and Al Raseef Media Lab. Four weeks of workshops and talks were delivered by musicians, activists, artists and industry experts from the Middle East and North Africa aimed at young people from marginalised communities in Amman. Participants created radio shows broadcasted on the newly established online radio and on Refuge Worldwide in Germany.
Aswat Al Raseef, meaning ‘Sounds Of The Sidewalk’ looks to celebrate the vibrant culture and diversity of Amman resulting from the city’s geopolitical importance as a destination for refugees and migrants from Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Egypt, Nigeria and across the MENA region. Through a curriculum of practical workshops on digital, technical and creative radio production skills, participants produced radio shows examining identity and migration histories in contemporary Amman, utilising sound media to portray life in the city for host, migrant and refugee communities. Alongside workshops there were also a series of talks from industry experts in Jordan and across the MENA region which were open to members of the public exploring public space and artistic production as battlegrounds for political activism.
The workshops took place at Al-Raseef; 7Hills' urban education space opposite their public park and skatepark. Since opening Al Raseef, 7Hills have been providing free-of-charge creative workshops from screen printing, mural painting, carpentry and more. The space runs on commitments to multidisciplinary, collaboration and DIY culture, and now hosts the Media Lab to expand their publics and operations.
Workshop and public lecture hosts included 7Hills Director Mohammed Zakaria, Palestinian producer, DJ and radio host Nour; Odai Masri the founder of Exist Festival, Palestine; alongside industry figures from the MENA region and representatives from Refuge Worldwide, Radio Zaatari and Arabic music magazine Ma3azef.
The project is now working for long-term sustainability through supporting free-to-access workshops, booking slots and artistic residencies.
This project was delivered with support from Resident Advisor, Solidrinks, Ableton, AIAIAI, ADAM Audio, Ocean, Forever Playground and Heels and Souls.
