The role of artists in society is complex and multifaceted. The question of the relationship between the artist and their artwork is ever-present, particularly during times of crisis and conflict. Having a voice on stage does not necessarily mean using it to address political injustices. In this sense, artists can become products of an industry that depoliticises the arts in exchange for monetary value and untroubled attention. While the political views of artists are sometimes obscured by their artistic work, our encounters with and perceptions of societies are influenced by music, sound and performance. However, there have always been counterexamples in which artists have clearly spoken out and positioned themselves within the political spectrum. These artists articulate socio-political responsibilities, using their visibility and platforms to raise awareness of the struggles of the oppressed.

In this roundtable discussion, artists and practitioners from music-related fields will share their approaches, methods and perspectives. By reflecting on their experiences, we seek to stimulate a conversation about responsibility and agency in the arts and the meaning of representing communities and audiences as cultural workers. The important issue of how artists can express themselves both on and off stage is affected by whether institutions amplify or silence political voices. This is particularly relevant given that this panel is taking place at a public university. For artists and practitioners, strategic considerations on how to navigate politically charged areas can be as important as artistic dedication. In the best cases, these considerations can contribute to justice and equality.

 

Speakers:

 

In the mornings, Luna Al-Mousli is a freelance author, graphic designer and curator. Her books investigate themes of identity, politics and memory. Al-Mousli is a published author whose works have been translated into numerous languages and have won prizes. Her latest book, "Around Me Stories", was published in 2022 by Edition W, Frankfurt. During the night and as قamareen (Qamareen), she’s a DJ who spins your favourite feel-good SWANA sounds, seamlessly blending pop, indie and electronic beats. Her sets take you on a musical journey where the lyrics are as important as the melody. With قamareen, every night is illuminated by the magic of two moons, ensuring a dancefloor experience. Co-founded by Luna Al-mousli and djdbh, Raqsouna strives to redefine party and club culture through creating a space that focuses on Music and Musicians from the SWANA region, transcending on the sound experience alone and attempting at celebrating the BIPOC diaspora in Vienna through setting an actively and ever evolving caring space. In all of her work, Luna is eager to engage in thought-provoking social and political dialogues. Her interdisciplinary collaborations undoubtedly challenge and contribute to shaping the discourse. 

 

Tori Reichel is a freelance journalist, presenter, and DJ. His work often operates at the intersection of social policy and pop or subculture. He has co-developed and hosted television formats and online shows for various media companies. While studying communication science at the University of Vienna, he worked as an editor and presenter at VICE Austria from 2014 to 2018. Since then, he has been working as a freelance journalist and presenter, including for ZDF, ORF 1, and ORF2. From 2021 to 2023, he was the host and the face of “AUX,” a weekly music and pop culture magazine broadcast on the TV channel Canal+ Austria. Through his passion for pop culture and music, he has also established himself as a DJ and live musician.

 

IZRAA (aka Isra Doghman) is an artist blending Arabic dialects and English vocals with rap, jazz, and contemporary urban sound. Through shifting vocal registers, she creates music that is present, emotional, and grounded. Rooted in Palestinian, Lebanese, and Tunisian heritage, her work explores self-discovery, identity, and collective emotion, shaping music as an experience and an act of resilience through storytelling.

 

Simonida Selimović is a Roma actress, director and author living in Vienna. She is renowned for her contributions to the Austrian theatre and cultural scene, particularly her work on projects addressing issues of migration, identity, and discrimination. She is committed to amplifying marginalised voices and raising awareness of the realities of life in the Roma community. Her experiences as a member of an ethnic minority in Europe have strongly influenced her artistic career.

 

Chair:

Samo Zeichen is professionally rooted in Vienna’s cultural landscape, Samo has worked with institutions and festivals including Weltmuseum Wien, Impulstanz, Wien Modern, Donau Festival, and Unsafe and Sounds, alongside various music platforms as curator, promoter, and sound enthusiast. He is also a co-founder of Verein Bestand, a cultural initiative dedicated to sound art and events. Samo works as project assistant and office manager at the MMRC.