In light of the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic on the arts and culture sector in the Arab region since 2020, Culture Resource has launched the Abbara top-up grants. The purpose of this exceptional organizational funding is to continue support for currently active artistic and cultural organizations that took part in one of the Abbara program rounds and to ensure their sustainability in implementing programs that aim to better serve the arts and culture sector. This grant is supported by Mimeta (Norway).
The following 8 organizations have received the top-up grant:
From Abbara 06
Khazaaen / Palestine
An independent association based in Jerusalem, Khazaen was launched in October of 2016 with the aim of building a digitalized societal archive that documents the daily life of the Arab world combined with people’s stories through gathering ephemera material such as transportation tickets, letters, commercial advertisements, posters and other such memorabilia that would not interest other types of archives. Khazaen encourages individuals to create their personal archives so as to generate a vast “people’s archive” housing the largest possible quantities of daily publications, such as brochures, posters, ads, wedding invitations, business cards… etc. for researchers and whoever demonstrates an interest in this project. In addition to having the digital archive contribute in starting a social and cultural discussion around critical political and societal issues.
Douzan Culture and Arts / Syria/Gaziantep
Douzan was founded in 2019 by a group of Syrian and Turkish artists and cultural actors who believe in the importance of arts and culture especially in times of hardship and crisis, and in its role in helping communities overcome social and economic challenges in countries of refuge. The initiative aims to support artists and cultural actors by equipping them with the tools and spaces they need for free and creative expression, empowerment, preserving cultural identity, and building bridges of communication and cultural dialogue with their surrounding communities, thereby promoting the values of freedom, equality, and non-discrimination.
From the Abbara Support Initiative
FilmLab Palestine for Cinematic Development / Palestine
A non-profit organization, founded in Ramallah in 2014, which seeks to enhance cinema culture in Palestine. Towards this end, it aims to furnish an ideal gathering space for filmmakers and to organize activities that stimulate learning, foster exchanges of expertise and mutual inspiration, and spur the production and screening of innovative films.
School of Dramatic Arts / Syria
An art collective founded in 2009 in Jaramana in the Rif Dimashq Governorate by a group of Syrian thespians. Their purpose was to create a new theatrical space open to diverse experiences and equipped to serve as a laboratory for professional self-development, to train actors and to stage theatrical performances for audiences of all ages.
Basement Cultural Foundation / Yemen
An independent non-profit cultural organization, founded in Sanaa in 2009, which aims at creating an artistic space where artists can develop their abilities, find support for their productions and have opportunities to present their performances to the Yemeni public. The organization believes in the importance of creating an interactive platform that erases the boundaries between young artists and the public, thereby strengthening bridges of communication with society.
Khashabi Theatre / Palestine
An independent cultural organization, founded in Haifa in 2015 by the Khashabi Ensemble, which aims at offering a space where artists can feel free to experiment, create, research and present alternative forms of theater and art. It is also a space for challenging social, political and artistic taboos and for fostering regenerative fertile artistic states through cooperation and mutual support.
NAWRAS / Germany
A non-profit Syrian organization founded in Berlin in 2017, which seeks to ensure the continuity and development of Syrian art by supporting Syrian artists in Germany. It works to create opportunities for these artists and to facilitate partnerships between them and artists of different nationalities, as well as between them and local, Arab and international artistic organizations. It also aims to ensure a free and safe environment that will help professional artists continue to practice and produce their work independently through a meaningful interaction with their environment.
Dawar El Fnoon / Egypt
A cultural centre founded in Minia in 2012, Dawar El Fnoon is an attempt to promote the advancement of arts in Upper Egypt where artistic and cultural centres are far and few between. The centre seeks to preserve local artistic heritage and to create arts and culture spaces where artists can experiment, present their creative works, acquire the skills that match their artistic talents, and network with other artists.
