Working Area Three: Share
Context and Challenges
Since 2011, Syrian cultural and artistic life has undergone deep structural transformations, followed by significant shifts in the forms, methods, and frameworks of the sector and its production. These changes have had several consequences, including the dispersion of the sector, the scattering of expertise and knowledge, the intermittent nature of support, and the weakening of its capabilities.
These developments have emphasized the growing need for coordination and strategic cooperation between cultural entities and civil organizations across various sectors. Such collaboration is essential to designing interventions that effectively address the challenges faced both in Syria and amongst its diaspora, counteracting the prevailing de-prioritization of the right and necessity of supporting Syria and its people.
Furthermore, the rising effects of social injustice experienced across the Arab region and beyond reemphasize that everyone has something to learn from the Syrian experience over the past decade. From here, we ensure through our work that this experience is to help confront the absence of justice within the region, the diaspora, and throughout much of the Global South.
What Do We Do?
We share the creative practices produced and used by Syrian artists over the past decade, as well as the insights we've gained within the Syrian context. We also facilitate opportunities for collaboration and integration of cultural work with other sectors.
Through our efforts, we create spaces and resources for creativity and knowledge that unite those in the region and in the diaspora. This positioning places Syria at the centre of narratives on social justice and serves as an inspiration for its pioneers worldwide.
Our strategy is built on three key pillars
- By focusing on archival and documentary practices as well as intangible heritage practices, we can forge connections with numerous contemporary artistic practices. These efforts contribute to enhancing the quality of life within communities and reinforcing the link with Syria.
- Embracing the digital realm as an alternative means of communication and as a way to address the challenges posed by years of isolation and dispersion for Syrians in Syria and in the diaspora.
- Presenting Syria as a vibrant and inspiring model for advocating social justice issues, especially within the context of the Arab region and the Global South.
The Impact of Our Work
By disseminating insights gained from the Syrian experience through positioning it in approximation to other global experiences, to assert its rightful place in contemporary global affairs. We actively challenge the normalization of the idea that the lives of Syrians are inherently burdened with insurmountable difficulties. Furthermore, we develop participatory methodologies to execute our work in different areas of action that facilitate the integration of artistic and cultural roles within the experiences of different civil sectors, consequently inspiring and influencing other experiences around the world as well.
The Programme
Sobol, Douroub, Syrian Network
