Syrian artist, researcher and community organiser Yamen Mekdad is based between Damascus and London. Rooted in radical collaboration, his work approaches sound as a tool for research, reflection and collective meaning-making. He explores relationships between sound, geography and social experience through his practice which is shaped by long-term engagement with Syria and its diasporas. Working across field recording, filmmaking, archiving, radio and grassroots cultural initiatives, Mekdad has co-founded several projects including Dandana, Sawt of the Earth, Makkam and Sadaa Sound Syndicate. He is the co-founder and creative director of Syrian Cassette Archives and Rock Paper Scissors, and the co-founder and audio curator of the Syrian Arts and Culture Festival. He also directed Sawt Syria in collaboration with Boiler Room. His work has been presented through various platforms, including SOAS, NTS and AlHara Radio as well as in exhibitions, broadcasts and public programmes.