Zizi School

This school is open to curious people, those who can, through peer to peer experience exchange, relationships, being in nature, moving, being present and uncomfortable, come to formulate new philosophies. The notion of philosophies here is an invitation to philosophize, a play on a common the expression “stop philosophizing!” It is often used to brush off someone who “over thinks” things, i.e. develops an opinion of their own. To philosophize is often considered negative, an act of over analyzing, pushing to deeply or complicated into a matter, often met with ridicule and discomfort. This school is an invitation to dig deeper, contemplate, listen carefully, and speak louder. It is also a space to play, be in nature, be in our bodies, be in group, be present, and practice art. The Rocca Family is the collaboration between Ola El-Khaldi and Diala Khasawnih, they invite the cosmic character Zizi to facilitate the philosophizing. The Zizi school builds on their collaborative practice working to create spaces where people come together to ask difficult questions, befriend fear, and find ways to accept change. The school will hold session once a month, these sessions include two days where the Rocca Family engages directly with “the students” who have applied and have been “accepted.” The subjects addressed are body, love, fear, plants, the unknown, and sound. It is an open school, while students are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible, new students can join at any time. The students are expected to use material shared with he Rocca Family and work on projects with a focus on art tools and practices as ways for contemplation and the realization of philosophies.