The Dream City biennale has returned to Tunis for its tenth edition, breathing contemporary art and performances into the historic medina. Organized by the association L’Art Rue, the festival has been two years in the making and showcases numerous creations led by women. This emphasis on female artists is a deliberate choice, according to festival co‑founder and co‑artistic director Sofiane Ouissi, who believes it is essential to provide a platform for women’s creative expression.
L’Art Rue has a long history of collaboration with medina residents and artists, fostering a dialogue between art and everyday life. Over the past twenty years, the organization has worked to promote this intersection of creativity and community, and today Dream City has become a premier platform for showcasing innovative and thought‑provoking works.
One of the festival’s highlights is a tribute to Tunisian potters by founders Sofiane and Selma Ouissi, titled **Laaroussa**. This celebration of ancestral knowledge and craftsmanship has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival also features original creations such as **The Grounding Point — Le point d’ancrage**, a vast woven sculpture by artist Sonia Kallel, created in collaboration with Mrazigue weavers in the Tunisian desert. The piece explores the relationship between memory and movement. Another notable work is **Asswat**, a solo choreography by Cyrinne Douss that delves into the multiple dimensions of the feminine. The performance offers an immersive experience, traversing different voices, memories, rituals, and celebrations.
Through these and other works, Dream City offers a unique perspective on the city, inviting visitors to experience it through the eyes and sensitivity of its artists. The festival will continue until October 19, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage with the vibrant cultural scene in Tunis. With its focus on contemporary creation and female artists, Dream City has become an essential event in the regional cultural calendar. As the festival draws to a close, it will have left a lasting impact on the medina and its community, highlighting the importance of art and creativity in everyday life.
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