AN ARTISTIC WORKSHOP
Conceived by Olafur Eliasson
In collaboration with Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary
Brought to Houston by The Moody Center for the Arts
Green light : An artistic workshop
“Green light is an act of welcoming, addressed both to those who have fled hardship and instability in their home countries and to the residents of the cities receiving them. Working together in a playful creative process, participants construct a communal environment in which difference is not only accepted but embraced. I hope Green light shines light on some of the challenges and responsibilities arising from the current refugee crisis in the United States, Europe and throughout the world.” – Olafur Eliason
“Initiated by the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson (b. 1967) in collaboration with TBA21 in Vienna, Austria, in 2016, this project addresses urgent issues of social transformation, displacement, and migration. It shines a metaphoric green light on asylum seekers, refugees and economic migrants.
In partnership with Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, the Moody Center for the Arts has invited international refugees to engage in the communal construction of green lights with students, faculty and visitors. Throughout the course of the workshop, a multi-faceted program based on shared learning principles, including language courses, job training, seminars, artist interventions and film screenings, provided a forum for discussion of the current geopolitical issues surrounding the global migration.” – The Moody Center for the Arts
In spring 2017, Elena Korbut, the Community Engagement Manager at Interfaith Ministries, invited me to serve as a liaison between the Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston – Refugee Services, and the IM refugee clients during the Green Light workshop. In addition to this role, I was tasked with developing a series of ESL classes and coordinating the group of volunteers who would teach them.
The project was truly inspiring, and I felt compelled to document the ten-week workshop for Interfaith Ministries as I worked alongside refugee clients and volunteers. The photo essay resulting from this experience was showcased during the 2017 Iftar dinner at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. – anne houang
GREEN LIGHT - AN ARTISTIC WORKSHOP
GREEN LIGHT - THE SPACE AT THE MOODY CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Olafur Eliasson
GREEN LIGHT - COLLABORATION
GREEN LIGHT - EXPOSURE
Houston Press – Kelly Klaasmeyer
“When I visited, volunteer Sarah Boardman was at a laptop working on participant Mohammed Horo’s résumé while Horo sanded wood. Horo is a talented musician, a Kurd from Aleppo, Syria, who sings and plays the guitar-like buzuq. He is working as a tailor to try to support his wife and five children. Another man at the table from Syria introduced me to his wife, and told me she is looking for work cleaning or cooking. Even with limited English skills, the participants are friendly and earnest as they try to answer questions or show what they are doing. These people signed up for this project because they want to connect with their new communities.”
Houston Chronicle – Molly Glentzer
“About 20 people participated in the "Green Light" project during its first week, in late February, but that number dwindled as some found jobs. A handful of volunteers also have been pitching in, serving as drivers and language assistants, eager to interact and explore the more personal dimension of social issues that loom so large in the news.
Aletha Evert, who signed up to help at Interfaith last fall, will miss the camaraderie when the project ends in early May.
"It's important for us to be welcoming," Evert says. "My great-grandfather came from Ireland right before the Civil War, and my grandmother came from Scotland."”
Rice University News & Media – Jeff Falk
“I very (much) enjoy this perfect project,” said Hayfaa Al-Gbiogboi, a refugee from Baghdad. Mohammed Sheik Horo, a refugee from Syria, also said he enjoys being involved. “Good job on the work, everything,” he said. “Thank you very much.”
GREEN LIGHT - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Visit to Plant It Forward
Plant It Forward provides Houston with fresh, local produce by helping refugees grow their own urban farm businesses. Each farmer is trained to farm using organic methods and sell their produce through farmers markets, farm stands, restaurants, and farm shares.
Some of the other activities engaging with the local community were a DJ workshop hosted by DJ Flash Gordon Parks, a presentation with professor Bob Stein on current political issues and their implications on our community, a yoga class with Jenny Buergermeister, a cooking class with award-winning chef Roger Elkhouri originally from Lebanon, and many more.
The Green light participants also engaged in a photography workshop taught by teaching artists Anne Houang and Cecilia Norman from the Houston Center for Photography and a poetry workshop taught by Sara Cooper.
