This year, as we continue to witness genocide against our people, systematic ethnic cleansing from our homeland, and deliberate attempts to dehumanize us, we stand steadfast and in solidarity, holding on to our unwavering belief in what is right, and our individual and collective imaginations to dismantle the effects of despotism and colonialism on our land, thought and humanity.
This defining moment in the region’s history – and in humanity at large – coincides with Culture Resource’s 20th anniversary. After two decades of supporting arts and culture in the Arab region, we do not stand alone. Today, we find ourselves within a vibrant cultural ecosystem – one with the power to act, dream, and continuously renew itself. As a resource in the service of cultural vitality and plurality, our role is anchored in the efforts of this vast network of creatives who are driving tangible change in today’s world.
In this context of authoritarianism, wars, and occupation, our vision is grounded in collective and human-centered cultural action. We are particularly inspired by the values of human dignity and freedom as deeply rooted in the land, which we find in the strength of people who sacrifice all they have, and grassroots initiatives that strive to salvage all they can. These values keep our inspiration alive and our resolve unshaken, even in the face of the tragedies we endure and witness.
From the ruins of our shattered homes and lives, we as workers and creatives in the intellectual and cultural field, have a shared responsibility today more than ever, to support the myriad of rich artistic and cultural practices that challenge false narratives, foreground the stories of our people perpetually rebuilding their lives, document their pursuit of justice, and open spaces to imagine and dream. It is these practices that can offer a beacon of hope and inspire us to chart together a horizon on which thriving beyond surviving becomes possible.
As we conclude this year, we wish you all and ourselves the patience and determination to continue in our common journey, hoping our solidarity allows us to endure and overcome.
The photo is from the project “Timeline” by photographer Obaid Allah Hussein (Palestine/Syria), supported by Production Awards 2023.
