Hear a little bit more about Radio Silence from artist Michael Rakowitz as this project takes shape, launching July 30 with a live broadcast performance on Independence Mall, and continuing with a special radio event.

This hybrid documentary, variety show, and radio play brings the Iraqi diaspora to the airwaves. On July 30, hear stories about Iraqi culture, daily life, music, and food from refugees, along with the experiences of Iraq war veterans from Warrior Writers; taste traditional Iraqi food from Amasi Restaurant; and listen to our “house band,” a tahkt ensemble led by Hanna Khoury, playing traditional Iraqi music as well as arabized versions of American songs.

The experience continues with a special radio event, broadcast on WPPM PhillyCAM Radio 106.5 FM and community radio stations across the country in partnership with Prometheus Radio Project—and distributed nationwide through Public Radio Exchange (PRX). For a full schedule and to download episodes, visit radiosilence.muralarts.org.

Major support for Radio Silence has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from The National Endowment for the Arts, and the Hummingbird Foundation. Project collaborators and partners include a host of agencies and nonprofits that work on refugee and veteran issues, as well as independent community-driven media nonprofits.