Basel on-site workshop “The Language of Art: Celebrating Connection Through Doing Art” with Habib Afsar

In this process-oriented workshop, we explore experientially how art can become a language that connects people beyond words.

We struggle to connect with—and protect—what we cannot imagine ourselves belonging to. At its extreme, this fosters a feeling of disconnect and isolation that can adversely affect our well-being.

Through imaginative play and sensitizing somatic exercises, we immerse ourselves in the artistic process to discover new ways to express ideas, emotions, and shared experiences. We speak the language of art and “translate with our hearts” what we hear to feel and connect more deeply.

Whether you are an experienced artist or someone who simply enjoys creating—there’s an artist in all of us!—this workshop welcomes everyone who wants to explore the power of art as a shared language. Join us for engaging art-making activities, opportunities for creative expression and collaboration, and conversations about how art builds understanding and connection.

Event language: English

Habib Afsar (he/none) is a Swiss/Pakistani relational artist and poet who belongs nowhere really and everywhere. Initially trained as a medical doctor, he specializes in public health and health management. He also holds a Master’s in Expressive Arts (Coaching, Consulting, and Education) and Fine Arts (Art in Public Sphere). He is the founder of the Center of Arts-based Methodologies and Wellbeing (Karachi, Pakistan) and a teaching member at Step Ahead, Berlin, Germany. His artistic vision is creating safe spaces where beauty is celebrated. He likes to make pretty things and write poetry, and can talk to trees and rivers when they allow. He worships Mother Goddess.

This is the registration for on-site participation. Do you want to participate online? Register here instead: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/futuress1/2404391

Event info

Please register only if you are sure you can attend. Due to the small space, on-site participation is limited to 20 seats.

Open doors:
The venue will be open 30 minutes ahead. Please make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early, as the workshop starts on time due to the hybrid format.

Venue address:
DOCK
Klybeckstrasse 29
4005 Basel

Accessibility:
Please note that DOCK is only partly accessible by wheelchair: The toilets are not wheelchair-accessible, and there are no parking spots at the venue. We apologize for this exclusion and will make sure to do better in the future.

The Engaging Publics series

This event is part of the free hybrid Engaging Publics workshop series exploring community-based research from facilitation, process-documentation, engaged writing, and more.

Registrations will open a month ahead.

June 20, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CEST | Workshop | online and at DOCK Basel
Practices of Regard: Images, Memories, Words
with Darcy Alexandra (she/her), Visual Anthropologist, Filmmaker & Poet

Sep 5, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CEST | Workshop | online and at DOCK Basel
Public Fictions: Methods for (World)Building Different Futures
with Ann Mbuti (she/her), Independent Writer

Sep 19, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CEST | Workshop | online and at DOCK Basel
Working with the Archive: Reflecting on Collective Research
With Hybrid Project Space, Interdisciplinary Collective

Oct 17, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CEST | Workshop | online and at DOCK Basel
Letters I Never Sent: Yearning in Science Fiction
With Sherida Kuffour(she/her), Art Director, Design Educator & Publisher

Oct 31, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CET | Workshop | online and at DOCK Basel
The Language of Art: Celebrating Connection Through Doing Art
With Habib Afsar (he/none), Expressive Arts Practitioner, Relational Artist & Public Health Physician

Nov 07, 2026 | 3:30–6:30 pm CET | Workshop | on-site only at DOCK Basel
Co-Producing Publics: Questioning, Performative Acts, and Temporary Interventions
With Circuit Sessions Collective
and Eva Chen (she/her) Scenographer & Art Educator

Except for the on-site-only workshop in November, all events can be accessed online via Zoom or on-site at DOCK cultural space in Basel, Switzerland.

This program is made possible thanks to generous grants from the Culture Department of the Kanton Basel-Stadt and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia.