Though I was already partnering with artists and organizations to create art that challenged existing norms, the post 9/11 climate pushed me, along with the help of many more Houston-based artists, to kick off a series called Words for Peace.
The first Words for Peace production drew more than 400 attendees and featured telephone readings by Irena Klepfisz, Naomi Shihab Nye, Ahmed Rashid, and Arundhati Roy (apps such as Skype had not been launched at that time), alongside readings by Bapsi Sidhwa and my students.
In upcoming years, W4P (as we began referring to the series), showcased Howard Zinn and Anthony Arnove’s Voices of a People’s History performance and many more.
Sarwar and VBB launched the first Living Room Art Production in 2006, expanding her casual art salons into a thematic neighborhood-based series that she herself researched and curated…[that have] evolved into a project aiming to unearth lost cultural and personal histories. It explores how individuals can serve as catalysts for social change.
—“Living Room Art: Sehba Sarwar looks outside the galleries to create art block parties.” Culture Map, November 2011. LINK
Ongoing & Additional Projects
CONTACT
I am an author and speaker, an artist, and a community and cultural activist.
If I can use my talents and passions to inspire you or your network to push boundaries and become involved in our communities, please connect with me. I am open to schedule readings, workshops, courses or multimedia installations.Universities and non-profit organizations based in Texas can apply for Texas Commission on the Arts grants to fund Sarwar’s workshops, readings and/or installations since she serves on the Texas Touring Roster.
