We invite you to
A Middle East Musical Residency
A creative laboratory bringing together artists from across the Middle East to co-create music for our collective liberation.
The Vision
We are Ripple, a non-profit music label dedicated to the profit of humanity. We acknowledge the profound power of music to change the world. Our goal is to support visionary artists in stepping into leadership, using their art to create a world where everyone is free and feels safe to thrive.
"Let me write the songs of a nation, and I care not who writes its laws" — Unknown
We are launching our first project: a musical residency bringing together songwriters, musicians, and multidisciplinary artists from the Middle East to co-create art for our collective liberation.
We will get to know each other through the personal and the collective, and engage with the pains of this region which is fractured by wars, ethnic cleansings, gender based violence, discrimination, poverty, radicalism, occupation, cultural erasure, and so much more.
Beyond atrocities, let us also engage deeply with the profound personal and collective treasures of our region: culture, wisdom, mysticism, tradition, language, arts, history, resilience, sounds, tastes, and so much more.
Through these explorations we aim for transformation, connecting with a new vision. We will engage with philosophies and practices for creative empowerment and use the "materials" of our process to craft a musical album that carries a new message to the world.
The Core Inquiry
We often speak of change; peace agreements or political shifts, but are we ready for the day it actually comes? Do we have the internal and cultural infrastructure to hold it? Or would the change stay only on the surface while the deep patterns are repeated?
We believe that true peace and liberation is not just the absence of war and oppression or the right to be safe; it is the right for every human being to prosper, flourish, and live a life of fullness and abundance.
We are gathering to steer a new conversation, reimagine a new story and prepare the ground for it.
Our Philosophy
The Specifics of our Creative Laboratory
The Fruit: A Live Album
This is not just a talking circle; we are here to work, play, and create. Our goal is to leave with a tangible creation that stirs creative conversations and sends a ripple of liberation in the world.
Collaborate
Work in small groups to write and compose original songs together.
Record
Record at least 5 tracks live, with professional video documentation.
Release
Share our message of collective liberation with the world.
What to Expect
The experience combines deep dialogue, creative collaboration, emotional exploration, and moments of joy and recharge.
Deep Dialogue
We will not shy away from the hard conversations. We will explore our differences, struggles, and personal stories, using them as fuel for collaboration and creativity.
Collaboration
An opportunity to collaborate with people different from you, find points of connection, celebrate diversity, and create together.
Emotions Welcome
This gathering naturally stirs strong emotions. We welcome all emotions and nurture a safer space to hold all of us with what's most alive. We all commit to non-violent ways of expression.
Recharge
We wouldn't only work and talk all the time. Expect joy, singing around the fire, yummy meals, and a supportive community that allows you to replenish your creative spirit.
Join the Movement
Who Is Invited?
We are looking for artists ready to engage with the world as leaders.
Songwriters (Primary Focus)
Our main focus is on artists who work with both melody and lyrics. We are aiming to form a core team of 15 Songwriters.
All Genres
As this is a Middle East residency, we do have a special fondness and wish to engage with the diverse traditional instruments and styles of the region, but we exclude no style or instrument. We welcome all genres, styles, musical disciplines, and traditions.
Multidisciplinary Artists*
While the core program is designed around songwriting, we aim to curate a diverse cohort where your specific talents (e.g., dance, sculpture, fashion) can be woven into the collective creation and visual storytelling. We deeply encourage instrumentalists, dancers, poets, visual artists, and creators of all kinds to apply. No matter what your artistry is, if this invitation lights a flame in your heart—please apply.
*As we first aim to build our core team of 15 songwriters, it may take us longer to reply to artists coming from other disciplines of the art.
What Do We Mean by "The Middle East"?
We know that maps do not tell the full story. Our world is woven, and it is hard to draw a clear line where the Middle East starts or ends. We define the Middle East by connection, not just borders.
You are invited if:
- You live in the region.
- You are from the region but live in the diaspora.
- Your heritage is from the region.
- You are a neighbor of this region and feel connected.
*Even if you have never lived here but carry the region in your heart - if you feel a connection to these cultures, you are welcome to apply.
Important Logistics
Language
We acknowledge that we speak many tongues. English will be used as our bridge for communication and understanding. It is important that you understand English; if it is hard for you to speak it, please be in touch, and we may find a solution.
However, we do love the sound of your language, so please bring it into the space and share its gifts. You are encouraged to write, sing, and create in your mother tongue, mixing our cultures and languages in a creative and fertile way.
Safety & Privacy
We understand that for some artists, public visibility carries risk. If you need to participate anonymously (e.g., recording audio but staying off-camera), let's talk so that we can accommodate this. Please let us know if you have any concern or need any support to participate in a way that keeps your safety.
Costs and Application
Financials
We aim to fund most of the residency costs by fundraising efforts and crowdfunding. Such a project has many expenses and efforts put into it, and our cost per participant including the costs of creating and distributing the album are estimated at around $4000 per person. We would highly appreciate your support in the fundraising efforts. (link)
Your commitment - $300* commitment fee
Plus covering your own travel and Visa costs. Paid after application approval.
*If you have a problem in covering your commitment fee and/or your travel costs please let us know in the application.
*If you can and wish to contribute more to support others please let us know.
Application
October 2026 - Turkey
Apply Here* We will be interviewing and accepting applicants on a rolling basis until the end of July.
* For any questions and inquiries - ripple.humanity@gmail.com
Who Is Putting This On?
Ripple's music label, events and funds are operating under fiscal sponsorship by a US based NGO - "Bustan Paradise".
Bustan Paradise Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ecological regeneration, community resilience, and cultural restoration. The Foundation supports grassroots initiatives around the world through fiscal sponsorship, transparent fund management, and strategic guidance, enabling local leaders to turn vision into impact. Rooted in regenerative practices and cross-cultural collaboration, Bustan Paradise works to restore land, strengthen communities, and cultivate sustainable futures for people and nature alike.
Yehoo Shalem
Executive Director & Residency Producer
A singer-songwriter, musician, and event producer with a history of producing large-scale retreats and festivals. A student of Turkish Maqam and the Lavta, Yehoo is a visionary dedicated to the intersection of music, spirituality and cultural activism.
Monica
Residency Facilitator
A facilitator with more than a decade of experience across the Middle East, South Asia and the US, specializing in conflict transformation and peace work. Monica is dedicated to creating spaces where deep dialogue can occur, moving us toward collective liberation.
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Musical Director
To be announced
Frequently Asked Questions
Support Our Mission
Help us bring artists together and create music for collective liberation.
For any questions and inquiries: ripple.humanity@gmail.com