MEDI

Medi takes the shape of guided collaborative artistic and creative workshops (online and in-person pop-ups) that aim to create a language of possibility to come up with counter stories, remember collective histories, explore shared pathways and imagine speculative futures that reinforce the role of the Mediterranean as a place for life. 

Co-created by two friends, Serene Debs and Iris Mir. We met in Hong Kong 10 years ago when we were both living on the island. Our shared Mediterranean heritage and passion towards cultural representation contributed to the nurturing of our friendship and creative connection throughout the years.

Medi is the culmination of our commitment to unfold a fresh narrative and manifest a healthy future about the Mediterranean region in the midst of migration crises, wars and armed conflicts that take over the news and mainstream narratives about a region that was once known and cherished for their kindness, solidarity and cultural diversity. 

With this effort, we are joining our creative forces and experiences to hold regular online workshops and one-of-a-kind in person pop-ups around the world to bring together people from across continents to use their imagination, artistic instincts, languages and cultural identities to reflect on the diversity of the Mediterranean and the region’s collective histories. 

Medi workshops and events are open to everyone. No previous artistic experience is required. Medi is an open space built upon respect and community where all participants can find a space to express their most intimate and hopeful visions for the future.

We’d love to see your creations!

You can share them with us and the Medi community by tagging us on instagram @inthemedi

ABOUT THE TUTORS:

Serene Debs is a Syrian artist and educator from Damascus, now based in Hong Kong. Given her Fine Arts degree, she works as an art instructor with practice in various materials. Debs also works as a news agency stringer, while leading her own collective to showcase Levantine culture through art in Hong Kong. With her experience in organizing art workshops and creative events that celebrate cultural representation, she aims to foster meaningful conversations and explore the richness of the Mediterranean region, through various mediums of expression.

Iris Mir is a Spanish storyteller, photographer, educator and movement instructor from Costa Brava. Before establishing her current base in Tenerife, the Canary Islands, she worked in Beijing, Hong Kong, London and Barcelona. Identity, culture, traditions and the life by the sea of the communities in Asia, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic are the focus of her projects. Mir also organizes workshops and retreats on photography, journaling, creative writing and yoga to inspire to protect the ocean and the natural world. With her experience working cross-culturally with local communities, she aims to create a space where all the peoples from the Mediterranean have a space to use their own-voices and co-create alternative futures.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS