Organized by Asulis Discourse, Dialog and Democracy Laboratory of Hrant Dink Foundation, the panel titled “Transformative Power of Art in Combating Discirmination” was held in Anarad Hığutyun Building Havak Hall on September 27. Moderated by artist Sena Başöz, the panel’s speakers were Güneş Terkol, Evrim Hikmet Öğüt and Umut Sülün who create opportunities to voice the individuals with their artistic works.

After the opening speech by Sena Başöz, the series of video interviews titled Sounds beyond the Border, in which Evrim Hikmet Öğüt and Umut Sülün focus on the experiences of Syrian musicians, was screened.

Speaking after the screening, Evrim Hikmet Öğüt stated that their work aims to create a platform in which migrants can be a part of art and music sector by expressing themselves. Noting that music is a medium that empowers migrant artist, Öğüt said that these artists seek for contributing to the culture of leaving with the cultural heritage they bring to our lands.

Umut Sülün stated that they asked the artists about their experiences in Syria, how they got here, what they are doing here and what their future plans are, and they wish the video they produced serves as an instrument for them to express themselves in the music scene.

Artist Güneş Terkol talked about how ideas are visualized by using sewing and drawing techniques in workshops for women. She told about the transformation of women with different backgrounds, ages and perspectives achieved by coming together and exchanging their experiences.