Vois ‘open mic’ events,
INTERNATIONAL university students in North Cyprus have been holding “open mic” sessions around the country recently to help forge links with local communities.
On Sunday, Voices of International Students (Vois) Cyprus held an Open Mic at Chuckie’s Garden in Lefkoşa.
Events have also been organised in Gazimağusa, as well as for the first time in Girne and Lefke. Around 115 international students and locals attended.
Vois Cyprus president Ashraf Saleem explained the purpose of them: “Our Open Mic events represent one of the numerous art forms through which we bring international students and locals together, to not only network, but to bring to light ways we can reach our common goals of improving conditions in solidarity.
“It’s usually a means through which we can get all stakeholders in the community together, to network and to speak about our experiences collectively, to enjoy a night of music and art, and to engender dialogue.
“It was also a way for our audience to support some of our organisational expenses through ticket sales.
“It’s been a tough year for everyone and since we haven’t had ‘physical’ activities for some time, we didn’t sell tickets for these Open Mic nights. We also tried to keep in line with pandemic health regulations and standards.”
When asked how often they organise the Open Mic events, Mr Saleem said: “It’s not monthly. It can differ. The factors that can determine how we host the open mic nights varies.
“It can depend on our ability to get venues, our organisational capacity at the time, and what we’re working on. Audience interests also play a huge part.”
Referring to the Open Mic event in Gazimağusa, Mr Saleem added: “We had so much fun! We vibed, networked, and shared all sorts of experiences, through music and art.”
For more information about upcoming Open Mic and other Vois events, follow their Facebook page for updates.