Syria’s Arts Sector Pushes Forward 

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A day before the National Dialogue Conference in Damascus, a specialized session on arts and culture took place, marking a significant moment for Syria’s cultural sector. Unlike other preparatory discussions focused on regional representation, this session was dedicated solely to the arts. It served as a platform for artists and cultural professionals to voice their perspectives on Syria’s evolving cultural policies.

Following the fall of former President Bashar Assad in December 2024, Syria's new leadership has aimed to foster an inclusive political transition. The National Dialogue Conference is central to this effort, providing a space to shape the nation’s future. While challenges remain, this session underscored the determination of the arts community to be heard.

The meeting, organized by the Preparatory Committee, focused on recommendations concerning the Ministry of Culture and its affiliated institutions. A key discussion point was the absence of a Ministry of Culture in Idlib for the past two months. Although the government had hesitated to activate the ministry, mounting pressure led to renewed efforts to manage student and employee affairs in affiliated institutes.

Approximately 50 attendees participated, with around 40 from the acting community and only 10 representing other cultural sectors such as theatre, cinema, visual arts, and music. This imbalance raised concerns about the breadth of cultural representation but also emphasized the strong presence of artists advocating for change.

Despite their contributions, attendees of this session were not invited to the main National Dialogue Conference, sparking concerns about inclusivity in the broader process. However, the discussions were not without impact. Participants engaged in meaningful debates on the creative economy, the full activation of the Ministry of Culture, and the importance of arts and culture in transitional justice, national reconciliation, and freedom of expression.

While political rhetoric was present, the session provided a crucial forum for cultural voices to advocate for their role in Syria’s future. The push for a more dynamic and functional Ministry of Culture highlights the resilience of the arts sector in shaping national identity and policy in post-conflict Syria.

 

Background:

The Syrian National Dialogue Conference, held on February 25-26, 2025, marked a significant step in Syria's political transition following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The conference brought together nearly 600 participants from various sectors of Syrian society to discuss the country's future23.

Key Outcomes

The conference concluded with a closing statement outlining 18 principles, referred to as a 'national covenant and charter'1. These outcomes included:

  1. A call for a temporary constitutional declaration to address the legal vacuum during the transitional period23.

  2. Formation of an interim legislative council based on fair representation and competence2.

  3. Emphasis on transitional justice, accountability for past crimes, and judicial reform2.

  4. Commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and gender equality23.

  5. Condemnation of Israeli incursions into southern Syria and calls for immediate withdrawal12.

  6. Advocacy for economic reforms in agricultural and industrial sectors2.

Process and Structure

The conference was organized into six working groups, focusing on:

  1. Transitional justice

  2. Constitutional drafting

  3. Governance

  4. Personal freedoms

  5. Economic recovery

  6. Civil society's role2

Participants praised the inclusive nature of the conference, noting the diversity of perspectives represented2. However, some criticized the short timeframe, arguing that more time was needed for thorough discussions2.

The conference concluded with a closing statement outlining 19 principles, referred to as a 'national covenant and charter'12. These principles include:

  1. Maintaining Syria's unity and sovereignty, rejecting fragmentation or division1.

  2. Condemning Israeli incursions and demanding immediate withdrawal1.

  3. Conferring weapons solely to the state and building a professional army1.

  4. Announcing a temporary constitutional framework1.

  5. Forming a temporary legislative council1.

  6. Creating a constitutional committee to draft a permanent constitution1.

  7. Promoting freedom of opinion and expression1.

  8. Respecting human rights and supporting women's roles1.

  9. Establishing the principle of citizenship and rejecting discrimination1.

  10. Achieving transitional justice and reforming the judicial system1.

  11. Reinforcing peaceful coexistence among all components of Syrian society1.

  12. Achieving political development and participation1.

  13. Launching economic development in agriculture and industry1.

  14. Calling for lifting international sanctions on Syria1.

  15. Reforming public institutions and combating corruption1.

  16. Involving civil society in supporting reconstruction efforts1.

  17. Developing the educational system and reforming curricula1.

  18. Promoting a culture of dialogue in Syrian society1.

  19. Emphasizing the unity and sovereignty of Syria2.

 

Challenges and Criticisms

  1. The conference was announced only two days prior, limiting preparation time for many participants3.

  2. Discussions held during workshops were confidential, leaving many questions unanswered3.

  3. The recommendations are non-binding, allowing Syria's new leadership to potentially ignore them5.

  4. Some observers noted the dominance of Islamist figures in the conference's preparatory committee5.

Implications

While the National Dialogue Conference represents a step towards shaping Syria's future, its effectiveness relies on the implementation of its recommendations and adherence to democratic values1. The international community and Syrian civil society will be watching closely to see how these outcomes translate into concrete actions during this critical transitional period.

Citations:
Posted
AuthorLitangen
CategoriesArtistic Rights, Cultural policy, Freedom of Expression
TagsSyria, The Syrian National Dialogue Conference