This policy paper delves into the intricate cultural landscape of the Arab region and the evolving conditions of cultural practices at work. It serves as a guiding compass for policymakers, fund holders, philanthropists, intermediaries, and private sectors by providing them with evidence-based insights to inform future decision-making processes on resource allocation in the region. Additionally, it caters to cultural actors who aspire to play more strategic and catalytic roles in their respective environments.
The policy paper draws upon invaluable lessons from the Thaqafa Dayer Maydoor or All Around Culture (AAC) program. Co-funded by the European Union and executed over a four-year period (2020-2024) by Culture Resource, L’art Rue, MitOst e.V., and the MMAG Foundation, this collaborative initiative provides tangible representations of the evolving dynamics in urban and rural settings across seven Arab countries. By delving into emerging opportunities and grassroots energies, this document skillfully navigates the turbulent, uncertain, and hostile work conditions, with the goal of contributing to the development of a resilient cultural ecosystem across the Southern Mediterranean contexts. We aim at bridging the gap between high-level decision-makers and the realities on the ground, particularly amidst periods of unrest.