In Damascus, the final preparations for the first edition of "Syria Art Week." (Credit: Ammar Abd Rabbo)
Syria Art Week is being born in a country still deeply scarred by years of war and decades of dictatorship. As Syria faces the urgencies of transitional justice, rebuilding, the cost of living, and freedoms, why make art and culture a priority today?The fundamental problem today lies in the absence of a true artistic ecosystem in Syria. After years of war and decades of authoritarian rule, galleries have closed, institutions have weakened, and artists find themselves without support or a platform. There is neither a culture of collecting, nor a habit of attending exhibitions, nor any structure able to keep creation alive.Culture is not considered a priority in Syria. That is precisely why it seemed essential to me to start, right now, to build a true artistic ecosystem. We have exceptionally talented artists. Everywhere I go in the...
Syria Art Week is being born in a country still deeply scarred by years of war and decades of dictatorship. As Syria faces the urgencies of transitional justice, rebuilding, the cost of living, and freedoms, why make art and culture a priority today?The fundamental problem today lies in the absence of a true artistic ecosystem in Syria. After years of war and decades of authoritarian rule, galleries have closed, institutions have weakened, and artists find themselves without support or a platform. There is neither a culture of collecting, nor a habit of attending exhibitions, nor any structure able to keep creation alive.Culture is not considered a priority in Syria. That is precisely why it seemed essential to me to start, right now, to build a true artistic ecosystem. We have exceptionally talented artists. Everywhere I go in the...
