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The original decorative
panels:
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Basques
love to sing: it is one of the most distinguishing elements of
Basque culture. Song accompanies important moments, deftly
sweeping aside geographical barriers and differences of dialect,
creating an atmosphere of shared time and place as voices join
together.
Nevertheless, the social practice
of singing in Basque, though incontestably dynamic, has today
been somewhat affected by a dwindling of collective memory and a
lack of effective means of transmission.
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The original,
actual exhibition (pictured here) prepared by EKE was quite
extensive and took a whole large room.
This was not
feasible for most of our Basque events, most of which are held
outdoors. What we are preparing is essentially six
listening stations with headphones and touch screen monitors
with a wide assortment of musical samples.
When displayed
outdoors, it will be sheltered by portable tents. To
see these click on: NABO Booth |
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“Kantuketan” (In Quest of Singing)
originated as part of an overall effort by the EUSKAL KULTUR
ERAKUNDEA (Basque Cultural Institute) to reverse the trend of
less singing in Basque. Their aim was to conserve a heritage
and pass it on. This cultural organization of the Iparralde or
north side of the Basque Country graciously offered to share
their exhibit with the North American Basque Organizations, Inc
(N.A.B.O.) and the Basque-American community.
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This
is a sample of a NABO listening station; this version allows two people to
listen to their musical choices. To find out about having
this nearby, click on
Hosting Kantuketan |
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EKE's original "Kantuketan"
display was quite extensive and took a large room to exhibit.
Something on this scale was not feasible for most of our Basque
events, where space might be limited and often outdoor settings.
What NABO has prepared is something similar (using the
interactive program created by the EKE and their shared images
as shown in the decorative panels at left) with
headphone-listening stations and touch screen monitors with a
wide assortment of musical samples from traditional tunes all
the way to hard rock.
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NON IKUS DAITEKE?
Where to see the exhibit:
NABO is divided into several
geographic regions and this
exhibit will reach each of those over the next year and a half
in an effort to make it more accessible to more Basque
communities. |
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This exhibit is an ongoing effort
to reconnect with our collective Basque memory and to promote
Basque singing to a new generation. To bring you Kantuketan we
have partnered with EUSKO JAURLARITZA--the Autonomous Basque
Government of Euskadi--which has through the years demonstrated
consistent support of efforts to promote Basque culture
throughout the Basque Diaspora or Basque immigrant communities
around the world.
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Complementing the music listening stations is display
artwork.
Panels can be made available (based on the willingness
of hosts to share the creation expense).
Since Basques and non-Basques will view
these, it represents an educational opportunity.
Thus
the "Kantuketan" exhibit is an effort to follow through
on NABO's motto of Celebrate + Educate =
Perpetuate. |
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There will be one of
this exhibits in each of our five NABO We are going now with
active storage: instead of keeping these together
collecting dust somewhere, lets store them in Basque clubhouses
and get some use out of them. There is now or soon will be
one of this exhibits in each of our five
Regions.
Contact your nearest resource for availability.
WEST: San Francisco
Basque Cultural Center
NORTH: Boise Basque Museum
CENTRAL: Elko Basque Club
SOUTH: Chino Basque Club
EAST: New York Basque Club
To find out
about having this nearby, click on
Hosting Kantuketan
Special thanks to these folks for
their contributions: John BIETER, Lisa CORCOSTEGUI, Joseba
ETXARRI, Pantxoa ETXEGOIN, Jean FLESHER, Mary GAZTAMBIDE, Dave
GREEN, Izar IRIBARREN-GORRIONDO, Jakes LARRE, Josu LEGARRETA,
Benan OREGI, Ramon & Begona YSURSA & Genevieve YSURSA.
MIL ESKER!
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