Cultural Policies in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia an Introduction
Cultural Policies in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia An Introduction Cultural Policies in Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia An Introduction Culture Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy) European Cultural Foundation Boekmanstudies 5 Foreword by Odile Chenal and Philipp Dietachmair Interesting dynamics are at play on the cultural scene in the Arab world. Not only a rapid expansion of the contemporary art market and a growing interest of international art experts and dealers for the artistic creativity in the Arab region can be observed, but also, more profoundly, the development of an independent cultural sector. In a political context, which remains very difficult in most of the Arab countries, a new generation of internationally connected cultural players has managed to open independent spaces for contemporary artistic creation throughout the whole region, and to create the first frameworks and tools for cultural leadership and management. These changes cannot remain without impact on governments’ role and accountability in cultural life; and these cultural actors will start questioning public cultural policies more loudly. Unlike what many in the “West” probably think, cultural policies do indeed exist in the Arab world. In most of the Arab countries Ministries of Culture were established in the 1950s and 1960s, earlier than in several of their European neighbours. This does not mean, however, that these ministries and their sometimes prolific administration produce consistent cultural strategies. Generally speaking, there is very little or no transparency about decision making mechanisms, and very little or no consultation about needs and priorities. There is an evident lack of public information and public debate with a free exchange of arguments.
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