Abdullah Alkafri, head of the Syrian cultural organization Ettijahat
Abdullah Alkafri calls for cultural and artistic sectors in Syria to actively contribute to political and social transformation by building institutions capable of supporting change. Alkafri urges participation in the constitutional reform process to influence legal frameworks regarding cultural associations, unions, and education systems, ensuring they function independently from state control.
Ettijahat unveils the second book in its 2021-2022 Research Programme to Strengthen the Culture of Knowledge, titled "A Decade of Arts." This edition features four insightful research papers by Nour Asalia, Tala Shams Eddin, Shama Elrashhed Babeker, Mohamad Abdulrahman Hasan, and Zaher Alkaei.
Published in collaboration with Mamdouh Adwan Publishing House, this book is one of three examining Syrian artistic production, set against the backdrop of cultural transformations in the Arab region. Supported by the Arab Fund for Culture and Arts (AFAC) and the Arab Council for the Social Sciences, these papers delve into the complexities and future prospects of Syrian arts amidst ongoing regional changes.
The research programme of Ettijahat has been supported by Mimeta since its inception.
For more details from the interesting Newsletter June edtition, visit Ettijahat
Throughout 2023, Mimeta provided essential support to nine key partners across Middle east and Africa, enabling them to conduct impactful cultural and artistic programs. Through financial support and capacity-building initiatives, these partners extended support to 545 organizations, strengthening their ability to contribute to the cultural landscape. Additionally, dedicated efforts were made to safeguard 280 artists facing risks, offering them protection, and ensuring their freedom to express their artistry. Training and capacity-building programs benefited 1,575 professionals, enhancing their skills and contributing to the development of the cultural sector. Events organized by our partners attracted 133,775 attendees, highlighting the widespread public engagement and the vibrant cultural life fostered by these initiatives.
Mimeta this week launched the Sector Collective Program Organization aimed at fostering collaboration among multiple organizations and sponsors to address shared challenges and tasks within the cultural rights sector.
Mimeta would like to invite you as a funding partner to a meeting on Thursday 23rd March 11:30 – 16:00 (lunch included, venue tbc) to discuss this Artist at Risk funding Initiative, and confirm partnerships with those interested. The meeting will take place in cooperation with and around ICORN annual network meeting, 22-24 March in Brussels.
I work carefully and imperceptibly below the surface when it comes to freedom of artistic expression. Deep down I stand by those who want to break it but remind them of realities above the surface. At the same time, the water becomes shallower. This is my duty as a producer.
(Faisal Kiwewa, Bayimba, Uganda.)
Poster A3 for uploading
Poster A3 for uploading
The short version
Mimetas vision is to give GIVE PEOPLE THEIR RIGHT TO FREE CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS, created on free terms and presented by independent institutions.
Our mission is to support and protect those who want to enhance a culture by aesthetic or intellectual means.
By both our vision and mission Mimeta highlight the impact arts have on developing open societies, including the culture itself and the political spfere.
On the strategic level Mimeta is acheiving results by supporting organisations and individuals who work on behalf of the arts, to improve the sectors´ position on rights issues, in political and legal matters, on professionalism and skills, the distribution of the arts and - in the end - the sustainability of the sector.
We call them the service providers to the arts.
For more information on our priorities and strategic initiatives
Nadia Cherif was given the task of evaluating Mimeta's program for cultural sector development (2020-22. It was finalized in november 2023, and gave good input for next stage. Read here
