Chorus of Refuge; Audio Experience of Refugee Storytelling

With the proliferation of social networking, broadband & wifi internet, innumerable TV channels and cell phones in nearly every pocket, the radio might be slipping on to the sidelines, except in the refugee camps. Follow the link to hear it for yourself. More and more fascinating as it progresses.

"Chorus of Refuge
is a sound installation for six radios in which the stories of six refugee populations (Somali Bantu, Burundi, Afghani, Sudanese, Iraqi and Burmese) from six different cites across the United States (Portland, Phoenix, Amarillo, Omaha, Detroit and Indianapolis) are transmitted simultaneously to six radios in one space. The voices are harmonized and synced up rhythmically to unite their narratives. The chorus is divided into three movements that correspond to each refugee’s unique story: Home, Journey and United States. Chorus of Refuge creates an atmosphere for listening while visualizing the transmission itself. Six boom box radios sit on top music stands. Radio transmitters suspend from the ceiling, directly over each radio, appearing almost to be floating. Each voice is assigned to a different radio frequency. The location of the individual voices on the radio dial changes with each installation of the piece. This flux is indicative of the constant movement many refugees experience during times of conflict. Chorus of Refuge engages radios as a medium because this is the way most refugees receive news while in camps."

Remember World Refugee Day is 20 June 2010.

Do something.

Train and volunteer to accompany a refugee family through the resettlement process.
In New Zealand, Refugee Services. In Australia, Refugee Council.
Donate to or volunteer with a local group Fort Wayne, IN, Louisville, KY, Columbus, OH or your city.
Or if you're near Cleveland, Ohio, go to Voices Worth Hearing; Art Worth Sharing
If in Wellington, visit Te Papa's The Mixing Room and spend a few hours in just that interactive exhibit.
Play
Against All Odds
Play Darfur is Dying

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