OUR TEAM
The main driving force behind our team are the shared interest in the musical diversity around the world and the common goal to promote a cultural dialogue. By our divers backgrounds, we span different cultural areas both by birth, profession and countries where we have resided so far. Our different perspectives and experiences are the basis on which we understand and deal with diversity and on which we approach cultural and musical awareness. We know from first-hand experience the meaning and value of representativeness and we are joining our efforts towards the creation of a sustainable, long term exchange and visibility practice for artists and cultural contents.
Ioana Aminian is a sociolinguist specialized in endangered minority languages and cultures at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and University of Vienna. She studied Translation Studies in Erlangen and Romance Studies in Jena and Vienna and disposes over vast experience in working with different minority groups, among which Boyash, Sephardim, Kalmyk, etc. Languages and Music have always been closely interconnected. Especially when languages are endangered, among the last cultural values that are transmitted are songs and melodies. Her interest in this phenomenon and her expertise with different minorities are the reasons for her role as a co-chairwoman of the Roots Revival Association. Besides her scientific career, she is active in the promotion of minority cultures and music around the world.
Mehdi Aminian is a multidisciplinary scholar, composer, filmmaker and the initiator and chairman of the Roots Revival Association, within which, since 2013, he has developed various musical projects based on an intense artistic dialog and intercultural exchange. Mehdi has studied Humanities, Music, Ethnomusicology, and Computer Science. His diverse experiences inform his leadership of Roots Revival, where he integrates artistic management, ethnomusicology, ethnography, anthropology, and digital humanities. His passion for Sufi literature, poetry, and the diverse musical projects he experienced while living in Europe and Southeast Asia inspired Mehdi to shape a unique style in his music and compositions, transcending the boundaries of any particular genre. Currently, he is conducting doctoral research at the University of Vienna in collaboration with the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OEAW),
Anna Adorjáni is a scholar in social and intellectual history with a long-term interest in creative writing and supporting cultural and artistic events. She is a native Hungarian from Romania, currently based in Vienna. She earned her PhD at the University of Vienna in East European History in 2023 with her dissertation project, "Interpreting Non-Territorial Autonomy in Late Habsburg Hungary (1848–1918)." In her analysis, she focused on multilayered interpretations of the idea of non-territorial autonomy, a model that promised to provide political representation and self-governance in cultural affairs to ethno-confessional groups residing across a common territory. She is interested in cultural translation and how disadvantaged groups translate their desires into an idiom that speaks to a global audience.
Saman Karampour is a experienced cultural activist in the field of art and culture. As the founder, CEO and editor-in-chief of “Owrsi”, an independent cultural institution, he has shown an incredible commitment to breaking down barriers between cultures and creating a platform for underrepresented voices in Iran. Saman took the lead in projects such as the production of compelling podcasts that present diverse opinions and perspectives and promote international dialogue based on the rich cultural heritage of the East. In addition to his contribution, the "Made in Iran" label is in favor of promoting local musicians and expanding the global music scene. In addition, he delves into the complex realms of subcultures to find insightful perspectives and shows a strong commitment to understanding the multifaceted structure of humanity in subcultures.
Deyvi Papo is an architect and graphic designer from Istanbul, Turkey. He studied architecture in Vienna University of Technology and ETSA Madrid. He specializes in museum and exhibition design in relation to public space. He is interested in spatial manifestations of different cultures. Besides his career as an architect, he also collaborates in art projects with artists from different cultural backgrounds.
