Building the future on pathways to cultural diversity. Practises and projects from around the MENA region

The MENA region has a great wealth of talent and initiatives waiting to be discovered. Since 2011, lots of new ideas and energies have emerged. This is a good moment to honour, celebrate and share lively and concrete examples that enhance the public value of culture in this region. This publication wants to give visibility to the many artists, creators, curators and cultural workers within the region and beyond.

The short project features aim to inspire further exchange and cooperation within and with the MENA region. The e-compilation “Building the Future” presents selected projects that had an impact on the cultural transformation in the MENA region in the period from 2011 to 2017. The publication is a joint co-production between long-standing like-minded partners working in and with the region. The aim of the publication is to showcase the wealth of talent and initiatives beyond MENA regional borders and share these with the international cultural community. Get inspired and connected!

Windows of Opportunity

The projects featured here are very diverse—in terms of geography, topics, approaches, and ways of cooperation, funding mechanisms and partners involved. However, they all have one thing in common: they were born in a democratic spirit and an atmosphere of renaissance and empowerment—a renaissance of civic rights, of opportunities beyond national borders, of cultural liberty and of sharing resources. The projects presented here tell a small part of this complex story. They give a flavour of how arts and culture in a sustainable development perspective contribute to building the future.

The fluid format of the publication allows for the steady addition of further stories about inspiring projects in the future. Please feel free to share your experience with the editorial team via the online grid.