Arman Naféei’s Art Centre: Kiosk-o-Thèque and Podcast Are We On Air?
Arman Naféei, a visionary cultural entrepreneur and host of the influential podcast series Are We On Air?, is redefining the intersection of art, music, and retail with his latest venture: Kiosk-o-Thèque. Located at 8224 Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood, Kiosk-o-Thèque is a 250-square-foot space that combines a newsstand, podcast studio, DJ booth, and art gallery, creating a vibrant cultural hub that attracts both locals and tourists.
Kiosk-o-Thèque stands out with its bright yellow exterior and eclectic interior design, reflecting Naféei’s artistic vision. This unique space blends the traditional concept of a newsstand with elements of an art gallery and boutique. Founded by Naféei, who has a diverse background in music and cultural networking, Kiosk-o-Thèque has hosted a range of events, including book signings and art showcases, fostering a community of artists and creators.
One of the highlights of Kiosk-o-Thèque is its rotating exhibitions. The recent showcase, “Antonio on Sunset,” ran from April 4 to 13, 2024, and paid tribute to fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. In collaboration with the Danziger Gallery, the exhibition featured vintage Kodak prints from the 1970s and 1980s, capturing intimate moments in fashion and showcasing portraits of icons like Karl Lagerfeld and Grace Jones.
Kiosk-o-Thèque also serves as a platform for diverse collaborations and cultural events. Recent highlights include a book signing with photographer Nadia Lee Cohen and a forthcoming partnership with Searchlight Pictures for the film Kinds of Kindness, featuring exclusive merchandise. Although Kiosk-o-Thèque is slated for demolition in favour of a billboard next year, Naféei plans to keep it open through the awards season and aims to resurrect similar newsstands in cities like Berlin and New York.
“The landlord’s tearing it down for a billboard. That’s hard for me — I love resurrecting old newsstands. I plan to do Berlin and New York [next], updating them for today’s culture. I can’t sell chewing gum to save my life! But I can sell original art!” Arman Naféei.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The Podcast: Are We On Air?
Arman Naféei’s podcast series, Are We On Air? is a captivating exploration of personal soundtracks and musical memories that shape influential figures across various creative fields. With its second series now underway, the podcast continues to offer intimate glimpses into the lives and inspirations of its illustrious guests. Available on Spotify and YouTube, Are We On Air? features a diverse roster of cultural icons, including Alan Braxe, DJ Falcon, Michael Mayer, Marina Abramović, Dua Lipa, Maisie Williams, and Kali Uchis.
The origins of “Are We On Air?” can be traced to Naféei’s tenure as a musical director for the esteemed hotelier André Balazs. Amidst the glamour of venues like the Chateau Marmont, Naféei found himself in the vibrant, neon-lit ambience of West Hollywood, engaging in serendipitous, enriching conversations with high-profile personalities. These conversations, often held at the piano or in the serene hotel gardens, sparked the idea for the podcast.
Naféei envisioned “Are We On Air?” as a means to recreate the intimate, late-night confessional tone of those moments. Inspired by shows like Desert Island Discs, the podcast invites guests to share their personal soundtracks, offering listeners a glimpse into the music that has shaped their lives and careers.
Naféei’s guest selection process is both thoughtful and personal. Drawing from his extensive network within the music and cultural industries, he aims to feature individuals with significant impact in their fields. This curated approach ensures that each episode remains true to Naféei’s own experiences and connections, fostering a genuine sense of intimacy and authenticity.
Arman Naféei’s Are We On Air? excels in showcasing diverse voices and stories, blending personal anecdotes with professional insights to create a unique and engaging listening experience. The podcast explores music’s role in shaping personal and artistic identities, offering compelling perspectives through its interviews and insights.
Looking ahead, Naféei plans to expand the podcast’s reach by featuring renowned guests and exploring new creative areas. This evolution aims to deepen its impact and continue its role as a thought-provoking platform in the cultural landscape.
Naféei’s Kiosk-o-Thèque and Are We On Air? reflect his dedication to cultural spaces, demonstrating how the fusion of art, fashion, and music can lead to dynamic and memorable experiences.
“The coolest music podcast in the world.” – Vogue
