The ZAT (Temporary Artistic Zone) is now transformed into a dynamic multimedia digital magazine. Emerging from the rich tapestry of Dream City Festival and the pioneering efforts of L'Art Rue, ZAT has always been a platform for bold artistic expressions and civic struggles. This innovative edition encapsulates the memorable encounters, dialogues, and collaborations of recent years.
The Nordic Culture Fund is a relatively new player in the financing of international projects. In the past, such investment has belonged to the member states' foreign policy, while the fund has supported projects between the Nordic members. In their newsletter from June, it is the ventures between the Nordics and the rest of the world that are given attention. This is interesting reading and an exciting development.
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
PANAF is seeking writers from The Gambia, Zambia, and Kenya to focus on the following topics:
The Emerging Generation of Socially Conscious Artists: Profiling leading socially conscious artists
Economic Empowerment through Art: Highlight initiatives and artists who are using their creativity to generate income, support local economies, and empower marginalised communities
The 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are crucial to Mimeta’s vision and approach to the idea of cultural development and artistic freedom. They are precisely emphasising how Mimeta can promote democratisation and the implementation of human rights. The SDGs also influence the structures of monitoring and evaluating within programmes of Mimeta
One of the strategic discourses given much attention by our partners relates to this significant role of the arts and storytellers, in shaping our understanding of the world around us. In contemporary terminology this understanding is defined as the narratives we relate to. For our partners the possible shaping of changes in these narratives is a primary motivation for their work, according to a survey Mimeta did among partners in 2022.
The former partner of Mimeta, Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA,) and the Tanzania Artists Rights Organization (TARO) have released a report looking at critical aspects affecting artists and the creative landscape in the country.
The report was part of the Sanaa Rights project supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dar Es Salaam and aimed to bolster the policy and legislative frameworks surrounding the arts sector. The project focused on mapping, reviewing, and providing recommendations for policies and laws pertinent to artistic expression. It also includes policy and legislative roundtables, as well as stakeholder dialogues to engage diverse perspectives within the artistic community and beyond.
The report concludes on challenges on issues as cultural protectionism, politcal interference, lack of harmonization of laws and regulations and un-professionalism in the sector. The art and culture sector is yet to be considered as a development sector, it states.
The recommendation for civil society organisations is to “advocate for the separation of the function of artist federations and associations from the government, so that they can independently enhance their voice and urgency on artistic freedom”.
See the report here!
Our partners network building is many-faceted. They serve professionalism in a field. They are extensive alumina networks based on participation in capacity building programs within the sector. They are kept together by a common interest in upholding an arts sector despite migration and re-location from a broken homeland. They are served by diaspora-based entities that works to uphold and foster critical voices at home ground. They are part of international alliances for the protection of artist at risk. As examples. A new tendency is the focus from the arts and culture sector to engage in cross-sectorial networks, and they are organizing locally, regionally and on an international level, implying a shift from policy and advocacy networks to socially engaged networks where purposes are within the field of (social and political) change.
Bayimba is calling on artists to submit applications to perform at the 16th edition of the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts on Lunkulu Island, Uganda, from 11th to 15th September 2024.
The Bayimba Festival presents a multidisciplinary programme of artists from around the world in music, dance, film, fashion, photography, storytelling, theatre and visual arts.
The line-up of confirmed artists will be announced on the 20th of August.
Preference is given to:
Artists with unique artistic identity and ready production.
Women artists or groups led by women.
Young, new and budding talents.
Production content or exhibitions that are to be presented live.
For more information see here!
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.