The Art Persists Podcast

Bosla Arts

5.0 (1)
VISUAL ARTS

The Art Persists Podcast is a series offering a glimpse into the life of artists and activists bridging the arts, activism, and human rights around the world. Brought to you by Bosla Arts.

06/27/2025

Filmmaker Bassel Ghandour on Authentic Representation and Storytelling in Film

In the Season 8 finale, we’re joined by Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning writer and director Bassel Ghandour. Bassel shares his insights on filmmaking in the Arab world and the ongoing struggle for authentic representation in Western cinema, where stories are often distorted or oversimplified. We explore the making of his acclaimed feature films Theeb and The Alleys, and he speaks to the vital role research plays in his storytelling. The conversation also turns to the future of cinema in a landscape increasingly shaped by streaming platforms, blockbuster formulas, and algorithm-driven content. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-bassel-ghandour

59 min
06/19/2025

Painting the Revolution with Assil Diab aka 'SudaLove'

This week, we’re joined by Sudanese graffiti artist, graphic designer, and visual artist Assil Diab, also known as ‘Sudalove’. When the Sudanese Revolution erupted in 2018 and protesters began to be killed, Assil responded by painting powerful murals honouring those who lost their lives at the hands of the regime. We speak to her about the role of art in resistance and remembrance, and the deep emotional weight behind her work. Assil also reflects on her connection to Sudan, growing up abroad, the oppression she experienced during the revolution, and how life has changed since she was forced to leave. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-assil-diab

54 min
06/11/2025

Welding the Past and Present with Sokari Douglas Camp

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by the acclaimed sculptor Sokari Douglas Camp. Sokari takes us through her remarkable journey in steel sculpture - how she discovered the medium, and how it became a powerful tool for creating monumental, research-driven, and at times, kinetic works of art. She reflects on her early life in Rivers State, Nigeria, her adoption, and the experience of being sent to England as a young child. We chat about a couple of her works including Battle Bus, a memorial to murdered activist Ken Saro-Wiwa which was seized upon entering Nigeria by authorities and never seen again. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-sokari-douglas-camp As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard.

1 hr
06/04/2025

Comedy and Coffee with Usman Khalid

In this episode, we sit down with comedian and entrepreneur Usman Khalid. Usman shares his remarkable life story - from growing up in Pakistan to navigating life in the UK without papers. He shares his harrowing experience in a UK detention centre and the systemic mistreatment he faced. Usman goes on to tell us about founding Haven Coffee, a social enterprise that supports refugee communities across the UK. We also dive into his life in comedy and the creation of Laff-Uccino, a hugely popular stand-up night spotlighting incredible talent from refugee and migrant backgrounds. As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-usman-khalid Visit Haven Coffee: https://www.havencoffee.co.uk Get tickets to the next Laff-Uccino show: https://bigpennysocial.co.uk/whats-on/laff-ucino-shappi-khorsandi

1h 1m
05/29/2025

“We will never give up” Gazan Artist Malak Mattar on Art as Resistance

Gazan visual artist and author Malak Mattar joins us on the podcast. She talks about growing up in Gaza - facing bombing her entire life and dealing with notions of home. She goes on to talk about the cultural destruction of Gaza - how all the schools, universities, galleries and museums that once inspired her have been now been totally destroyed. How the artists she admired and the teachers who gave her the confidence to be an artist have been killed. And yet, she refuses to give up. And she refuses to stop making art. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-malak-mattar As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard.

51 min
05/21/2025

Jail Time Records: Inside the First Music Studio in a Cameroon Prison

The Art Persists podcast is back with Season 8! Kicking off the new season, we’re joined by Dione Roach and Steve Happi (aka Vidou H), founders of Jail Time Records - a music label born inside the Central Prison of Douala, Cameroon. In this episode, Dione and Steve share the remarkable story of how the label came to life: from Dione’s early workshops in the prison, to Steve’s unjust 18-month pre-trial detention, and the collaboration that followed. Since its founding in July 2018, Jail Time Records has transformed the lives of incarcerated artists, offering them not just a creative outlet but a path toward reintegration. The project has since expanded with a studio outside the prison in Douala, and most recently, a new recording facility inside Ouagadougou’s prison in Burkina Faso. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-jail-time-records As always, if you are enjoying the Art Persists podcast please leave a review wherever you listen. Only with your help can these important stories be heard.

50 min
SEASON 8 TRAILER

Season 8 trailer

Hello listeners and viewers! Georgia and Faz here - hosts of the Art Persists podcast. Season 8 starts next Wednesday - we are so excited for you to hear from our incredible guests. We really want to thank you all for sticking by us for 8 whole seasons. It's been a truly amazing experience. If you are enjoying the podcast please make sure you follow us and give us a rating! Enjoy! Georgia & Faz x

6 min
11/06/2024

Reihane Taravati on Photographing Nobel Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi

For our Season 7 finale, we are joined by Iranian photographer and activist Reihane Taravati. Reihane shares her story of growing up in Iran and the significant challenges she faced as a young woman pursuing a career in photography. In April 2022, she had the unique opportunity to photograph Narges Mohammadi, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning activist and human rights defender, during a brief release from prison. These powerful images would later be used to announce Narges' winning of the Nobel Prize. Today, she remains behind bars. Reihane reflects on the profound responsibility she felt in capturing Narges in her home environment that day. If you’re enjoying the Art Persists podcast, please consider leaving a review wherever you listen. With your support, we can ensure these vital stories reach more listeners. Learn more: https://www.boslaarts.com/tapp-reihane-taravati Follow Bosla Arts on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boslaarts/

25 min

The Art Persists Podcast is a series offering a glimpse into the life of artists and activists bridging the arts, activism, and human rights around the world. Brought to you by Bosla Arts.

Creator

Bosla Arts
Years Active

2022 - 2025
Episodes

53
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Bosla Arts
Show Website

The Art Persists Podcast