Date: September 28th, 2024
Venue: Refettorio, Rue de Lyon 120, 1203, Geneva
The Tunisia Global Forum 2024 is set to make its grand return, this time in the heart of Geneva, Switzerland. This highly anticipated event follows in the footsteps of previous successful editions held in Paris, London, Seattle, and Tunis. As the latest instalment in a series of forums that have captured the attention of the global cultural community, the Geneva edition promises to be an even more enriching experience, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the vibrant artistic and cultural landscapes of both Tunisia and Switzerland.
The Power of Culture and Art – Tunisia Global Forum 2024
Culture and art have long been recognized as powerful tools for fostering creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. They enrich the cultural fabric of societies, promoting dialogue and understanding across diverse communities. This edition of the Tunisia Global Forum aims to underscore the transformative potential of Tunisia’s artistic scene while shining a spotlight on the latest Swiss-Tunisian initiatives in the fields of visual arts and cultural heritage. The event is a testament to the belief that cultural exchange can stimulate economic growth, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and inspire innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
A Day of Immersive Experiences and Thought-Provoking Dialogues
The Tunisia Global Forum will take place on Saturday, September 28th, at the Refettorio in Geneva, a venue renowned for its dedication to goodwill, cultural exchange, and celebration. The carefully curated agenda promises a day filled with engaging presentations, inspiring performances, and dynamic discussions, all designed to highlight the rich artistic heritage of Tunisia and explore the synergies between the Tunisian and Swiss art ecosystems.
The event will begin at 3:00 PM with a presentation of the objectives and projects of the Swiss Tunisian Network, a key organizer of the forum. This opening session will set the stage for the day’s proceedings by outlining the forum’s goals: to highlight Tunisia’s thriving and diverse artistic scene, promote cultural exchange and dialogue between Switzerland and Tunisia, and explore partnership and investment opportunities that can nurture artistic talent, preserve cultural heritage, and upgrade cultural infrastructure.
A Celebration of Tunisian Art and Culture
At 3:15 PM, attendees will be treated to a musical performance by the talented Tunisian artist Yousra Dhahbi. Her performance will be a prelude to a presentation on the art scene in Tunisia, scheduled for 3:30 PM. Led by Emna Ben Yedder, this session will explore current trends and emerging movements in contemporary Tunisian art, offering a deep dive into the creative forces shaping the country’s cultural landscape.
The forum’s focus on the intersection of art and industry will continue with a roundtable discussion at 3:45 PM, bringing together key figures from the Tunisian and Swiss film industries. This session will delve into the current state of cinema in Tunisia, recent developments in this field, and the role of the diaspora in investing in and contributing to the growth of Tunisian cinema. The distinguished panelists for this discussion include Chiraz Laatiri, a university professor and former Minister of Culture; Habib Attia, a producer of creative documentaries and fiction films; Abdelhamid Bouchnak, a Tunisian screenwriter and director; and Taher Houchi, the Artistic Director of the Geneva International Oriental Film Festival (FIFOG).
Building Bridges Through Cultural Exchange
After a coffee break at 4:45 PM, the forum will resume with a session focused on successful exchanges between Tunisia and Switzerland. This roundtable will bring together participants from both countries to discuss ways to create synergies, promote intercultural dialogue, and inspire innovative initiatives that enrich exchanges and strengthen artistic and cultural ties. The panelists for this discussion are a distinguished group of experts and leaders in the field, including Silvia Naef, a professor at the Arab World Unit of the University of Geneva; Nadia Sehnaoui Boulifa, a project leader at Swisscontact; Talel Sahmim, project leader of Creative Tunisia; Michael Baumgartner, an art historian and former director of the Paul Klee Center; and Stéphane Tomagian, former Deputy Chief of Mission at the Swiss Embassy in Tunisia.
The day will conclude with an immersive experience and a cocktail reception that promises to be as enlightening as it is enjoyable. At 6:15 PM, participants will have the chance to partake in a virtual reality workshop by Digital Cultural Experience, offering a fascinating journey back to the era of Carthage and Hannibal. This immersive experience will provide a unique perspective on Tunisia’s rich historical and cultural heritage, blending cutting-edge technology with deep historical knowledge.
Networking and Celebrating Art
The evening will continue with a cocktail reception from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering attendees the opportunity to network with other participants while exploring an exhibition of illustration and ceramic arts. The reception will feature gourmet bites and a selection of fine drinks, creating a perfect ambiance for informal discussions and artistic appreciation.
Among the highlights of the reception will be an exhibition hosted by ArtForness, an online art gallery founded by Ines Baccouche; Glibett, an illustration studio founded by Zeineb Ben Haoula; and Lams Home, a handmade product brand that combines modern design with high-end artisanal craftsmanship, founded by Wassim Oueslati. Additionally, there will be a book signing of “La Table Du Nord” by Malek Laabidi, a work that tells the story of northern Tunisia, its food, its products, its land, and, most importantly, its people.
An Invitation to Join
The Tunisia Global Forum promises to be a memorable event, offering a unique opportunity to discover Tunisia’s rich artistic heritage, engage in inspiring discussions with leading figures from the cultural and artistic communities of Tunisia and Switzerland, and enjoy an exceptional immersive, artistic, and gastronomic experience.
Under the guidance of the exceptional moderator Amel Smaoui, a prominent figure in the Tunisian media landscape known for her talent and charisma, this event is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
We cordially invite you to join us for this enriching and inspiring day, as we celebrate the vibrant cultural ties between Tunisia and Switzerland and explore new avenues for collaboration and innovation. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a forum that is not just an event, but a celebration of art, culture, and the enduring power of cross-cultural dialogue.
For more details and to register for the event, please visit the Swiss Tunisian Network website or register on the event’s website.