SWANA-rooted collective · Cologne
korsi is a community-rooted cultural collective that creates spaces for gathering, expression, and shared belonging.
Born in Cologne and shaped by the experiences of people connected to South West Asia and North Africa (SWANA), korsi brings together artists, musicians, writers, organizers, and neighbors around a simple idea:
culture is strongest when it is shared.
Through events, performances, screenings, conversations, workshops, and collective celebrations, we create environments where people can encounter one another beyond stereotypes, borders, and expectations.
- In Arabic, korsi means “chair” — something ordinary that becomes meaningful when people gather around it.
- In Persian, a korsi is a low table covered with blankets, a place of warmth, conversation, food, and togetherness.
- For us, korsi is both:
a place of comfort and a platform for connection.
What began as a series of gatherings among friends slowly became something larger. We realized that what we were creating wasn’t simply an event — it was a space where people could feel at home, meet others, and imagine different futures together.
— Korsi Collective
Community
We believe cultural spaces should be places of participation rather than consumption.
At korsi, people are encouraged to contribute, collaborate, share skills, and shape the environment together.
Artists
We support artists not only on stage but throughout the entire creative process.
From first conversations and concept development to production, promotion, and audience building, we aim to create sustainable opportunities for creative work.
Heritage
We celebrate the richness of SWANA cultures while embracing complexity, hybridity, and change.
Traditions are not museums. They are living practices that continue to evolve through movement, migration, and exchange.
Solidarity
Our work is guided by principles of care, accessibility, anti-racism, and collective responsibility.
We believe culture can help build relationships that are resilient enough to face difficult conversations and meaningful enough to inspire change.
What korsi means in practice
korsi is a concert and a conversation.
- A dance floor and a shared meal.
- A poetry reading and a political discussion.
- A celebration and a moment of reflection.
- We create spaces where different generations, languages, histories, and experiences can exist together without needing to become the same.
Our goal is belonging.
