Voem began as a grassroots social organization founded by Islamic religion educators, primarily focused on intercultural and interfaith dialogue. Voem has since grown into a cultural organization that breaks down barriers between cultures by supporting innovative forms of expression.
Yet, Voem's origins continue to shape how the organization is perceived today. Many seem unable to separate the modern organization from its religious origins. How has this influenced Voem's activities and evolution? What underlying power dynamics did the organization face as a result? And what position has Voem claimed for itself in the cultural field since then?
In her tour, Amani El Haddad will make use of several key moments from her time at Voem to reflect on the importance of art, both for Voem and for the broader societal debate. For instance, she will take us back to an exhibition during Van Eyck's year, or to the controversy that arose when the Gravensteen castle was transformed into an Orientalist parody of the Crusades.
After the tour she is joined byFatemeh Khezri en Hamza Abu Ayyash, artists who have made a significant impact on Voem's history. Together, they will delve deeper into their experiences with Voem and their views on the social role of art.
The event will take place in English.
Speakers
Amani El Haddad
Amani El Haddad is the content coordinator at the Gents Kunstenoverleg (GKO). She began her professional career at Voem, where she took her first steps in the cultural sector and developed a practice grounded in community work and collective engagement.
At GKO, she works to strengthen solidarity within the cultural field, promote fair practices, and challenge entrenched power dynamics. She sees culture as a space where collective responsibility is practiced and where social and political questions are negotiated.
Amani is not an artist herself, but a cultural worker committed to collectivism and community work. She believes in the power of collective structures, shared responsibility and what she understands as collective care. The closest she comes to artistic practice is embroidery — which she relates to as a form of memory work, resistance and intergenerational care.
Hamza Abu Ayyash
Hamza Abu Ayyash is a Palestinian artist whose practice navigates the intersection of cultural identity and European urban landscapes. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Design from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts (KASK) in Ghent, Belgium, Abu Ayyash explores the synergy between traditional heritage and digital technology. Through his 'Digital Calligraffiti' project, he initiates visual dialogues on historical monuments and public spaces, transforming Arabic calligraphy into a contemporary tool for expression. His multidisciplinary approach spans visual arts, cinema, and design, drawing from a rich background of experiences across the Arab world and Europe.
Fatemeh Khezri
Fatemeh Khezri is an interdisciplinary artist based in Ghent, working in interactive media, graphic design, installations, and traditional calligraphy. With a background in architecture and a master's degree in Autonomous Design, her work explores the intersections of identity, language, and visual codes in both public and personal archives.
