A Place to Breathe

Featuring Ehsan Matoori, Raha Etemadi, Greg Ellis, and Saeed Vahidi presented at VIVA Alliance

Inspired by the ancient Iranian qanat system — hidden underground channels that carry water and sustain life across distances — the project explores the invisible ways we remain connected through memory, grief, hope, and breath.

Created by Raha Etemadi, Ehsan Matoori, and Greg Ellis, and joined in Vancouver by Saeed Vahidi, this interdisciplinary presentation brings together music, poetry, video installation, and spatial experience to form a shared environment for reflection and presence. Rather than a traditional concert, A Place to Breathe unfolds as an immersive emotional space shaped through sound, image, language, and atmosphere.

Currently touring internationally with presentations scheduled across cities including Orlando, Tampa, Portland, and Vancouver, the project continues to evolve through each location and audience encounter.

A Place to Breathe is a fundraising event in support of VIVA Alliance and its ongoing public arts and community initiatives, helping sustain exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, tours, and accessible cultural programming throughout the year.