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By ⋅ September 21, 2008 ⋅ Email This ⋅ Print ⋅ Post a comment
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Ruba Saqr writes excitedly about INCOGNITO a recently launched website that seeks to promote alternative arts in the Middle East. I applaud the initiative but am amazed that the site still seems to be focused on pedaling CDs and books rather than streaming music, selling downloads, building a community etc. This seems especially pointless in the Middle East where both e-commerce and physical content sales have never amounted to much.

I am sure it will develop in that direction and it’s certainly a good starting point. The artists featured do represent the exiting sub-surface Middle Eastern creative movements taking place. What I envision is a diverse but tightly edited site constantly featuring new content, reviews and news etc with social-networking / forum / review functionality built-in, launched in partnership with major brands targeting the Middle East youth. Think RCRDLBL or Viceland.

In related news, I launched an MP3 blog at radio.misuc.com exactly 6 years to the day from the first mis presents Bidoun event in Dubai (an awesome multi-media joining the dots extravaganza feauring music, dancers, art, film that took place at Kasbar Sep 13 2002).

bidoun mutamassik

Image by shehab.hamad via Flickr

  • http://adamvarga.com Adam Varga

    I agree that Incognito has a way to go. It seems like a storefront is a good starting point, but I only visit stores when I'm in the mood to shop, not when I'm in the mood to explore and discover. I'd like a site where I can really sink my teeth into art coming out of the Middle East… alongside commentary and news. Still, Incognito did lead to my discovering the music and photography of Lebanon's Joanna Andraos.

  • http://shehabhamad.com/blog shehab

    agreed about a site that really allows for proper deep digging into the vibrant arts scenes in the region with insight / commentary and relevant news on events etc. haven't heard of andraos but will check her out.
    other sites worth checking include http://www.bidoun.com and http://brownbookmagazine.blogspot.com/

  • http://shehabhamad.com/blog shehab

    agreed about a site that really allows for proper deep digging into the vibrant arts scenes in the region with insight / commentary and relevant news on events etc. haven't heard of andraos but will check her out.
    other sites worth checking include http://www.bidoun.com and http://brownbookmagazine.blogspot.com/

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