Resilience: Art and People of Afghanistan

Join us for a celebration of Afghan culture, past and present. Our featured panelists will give brief presentations sharing aspects of their work and practice—from the study of early art and heritage to contemporary literature and music. Rather than center war and crises, this program will focus on the lived experiences of Afghans who have taken refuge in this country, reminding us of the stories, people, and art of Afghanistan. A moderated discussion with the speakers will follow the presentations.

The program will conclude with a performance by the Refugee Orchestra Project, led by Milad Yousufi. Conceived by conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya in 2016, the group was first organized to unite refugee musicians, raise awareness, and raise funds for those fleeing the Syrian refugee crisis. The Refugee Orchestra Project attempts to demonstrate the vitally important role that refugees from across the globe have played in U.S. culture and society. Since its inception, the organization has grown to produce regular high-profile performances around the world.

Speakers:

Nasrin Belali, Consultative Curator, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums; Archaeologist and Former Museum Curator, National Museum of Afghanistan; and Harvard Scholar at Risk, with support from the Gerda Henkel Foundation

Abdul Basir Kamjo, Consultative Curator, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums; Archaeologist and Former Museum Curator, National Museum of Afghanistan; and Harvard Scholar at Risk, with support from the Gerda Henkel Foundation

Homeira Qaderi, Writer, Activist, and Educator; Associate Research Scholar, Yale MacMillan Center’s Council on Middle East Studies; 2022–23 Robert G. James Scholar Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute; and former Harvard Scholar at Risk

Milad Yousufi, Pianist, Composer, and Conductor; Artist-in-Residence at the Refugee Orchestra Project

Moderator:

Tayana Fincher, Manager of Public Programs, Division of Academic and Public Programs, Harvard Art Museums

Free admission, but seating is limited and registration is required. Registration can be arranged by clicking on the event on this form, beginning Thursday, February 22, after 10am.

The lecture will take place in Menschel Hall, Lower Level, and doors to the hall will open for seating at 1:30pm.

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