Aliaskar Abarkas
The Community Whistling Choir (2023)
Live Event (Off-site)
Facilitated by Aliaskar Abarkas, The Community Whistling Choir is a collaborative project that aims to create an immersive experience of togetherness, sonic sensation and solidarity through the humble act of whistling.
This edition of the project builds on a partnership between the artist and Cliftonville Cultural Space, engaging the diverse communities of Margate during Refugee Week. In the run up to the final public event, the Choir welcomed individuals to attend weekly rehearsals. In addition, participants were encouraged to document the process through footage and sound recordings which contribute to a compelling sonic documentary film.
At the public event, audiences are invited to participate and engage in spontaneous improvisation with the Choir, fostering a sense of unity and shared artistic expression.
View the trailer for The Community Whistling Choir here.
Listen to their full performance at the Barbican Centre (London) here.
Aliaskar Abarkas is a transdisciplinary artist and creative producer from Iran based in London. His diverse work includes live events, images and writings, exploring themes of transformation, the emergence of beings and ecosystems, the fabrication of complex realities and effective communication through art. He has also initiated and facilitated “The Community Whistling Choir”.
Aliaskar’s practice is deeply rooted in alternative and collective education; He is an associate artist at Rupert Residency (Lithuania), Open School East (UK) and the Institute of Postnatural Studies (Spain). He was an associate artist and researcher at Advanced Practices, The Centre for Arts Design & Social Research, The New Centre for Research & Practice and Syllabus V, amongst other international programmes. In addition, Aliaskar is a community and neighbourhood committee member at Culture Mile, Barbican Centre.