ArtRole in Iraqi Kurdistan: A Landmark Cultural Exchange (2007)
ArtRole, in collaboration with the KUKFA (Kurdistan-UK Friendship Association) and with the direct support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the British Consulate, organised an international visiting programme as part of a wider cultural exchange with the M.E.N.A. region.
The delegation comprised nine artists, including the renowned British sculptor Richard Wilson and the acclaimed American photographer Susan Meiselas, alongside Anne Bean, Clare Charnley, Rob Gawthrop, Adalet R. Garmiany, Justine Blau, and Mark Terry from the UK and Europe, and Nancy Buchanan from the USA.
On 30th October 2007, we arrived in Erbil – KRI. It was an immense undertaking; while Iraq was constantly in the global headlines, very little was truly understood about the Kurdistan Region. I must admit that instilling confidence in the artists was no easy task, particularly given the tensions at the Turkish border and the often-sensationalist portrayal of the region in the media.
During this visit the artists shared their views and experiences of Western contemporary art, particularly current approaches to art education and the impact of new technologies. The main aim of this visit was to take artists to the area and begin to develop new works.
I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the artists, as well as the vital support from Alison Kemp British Counsel in Erbil as well as the FCO office in London and Andrea Rose at the British Council in London. Together, they made this journey possible, proving that it was not only feasible to work in this area but also to establish a foundation of mutual confidence. I believe this project served as a powerful catalyst, creating opportunities for future collaborations not only with Great Britain but also with the USA facilitated by the dedication of artists such as Nina Sobell, Susan Meiselas, and Nancy Buchanan.
I believe it is time for the UK and the USA to adopt new strategies for supporting the region through culture, art, and education. There is a prevailing perception in the Middle East that Western interests are limited strictly to politics and economics. To truly engage with the hearts and minds of the people, the UK must reconsider how it presents its cultural identity and values.
For many of the visiting artists, this was a profound and eye-opening first experience of the region. While a one-week visit was naturally too short to achieve everything we wished, we managed to accomplish a great deal despite the political circumstances. At the time, the region was in the early stages of transition toward a formal state structure and a functioning regional government. Naturally, the landscape was complex and sometimes inconsistent, which the visiting artists occasionally found difficult to navigate.
Having lived there for most of my life, I see the scale of change differently than an outside observer might. From my perspective, the progress is clear, and I believe it is only a matter of time before the situation stabilises further. The reality is that KRI remains the safest part of Iraq, possessing immense potential for cultural growth. From an artistic standpoint, this was a landmark project, yet much remains to be done. For both the Kurdish authorities and ArtRole, this was a pioneering collaboration; its success has proven that ambitious international projects in the region are not only possible but essential.
Feedback from the Visiting Artists:
Nancy Buchanan:
“I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to join ArtRole, and for the many generous events and experiences you provided. I hope you are pleased with the outcome, and I look forward to hearing your own responses and evaluation of the project.”
Richard Wilson:
“The trip was a profound eye-opener for many of us, and I greatly enjoyed every aspect of those nine days. It was extraordinary to meet such influential figures and to see the project receive such extensive television coverage.”
Anne Bean:
“Above all, a huge thank you for arranging such a magnificent, yet complex experience—one full of questions and profound reflections.”
Clare Charnley:
“I had a wonderful time in Kurdistan and returned home with lasting memories of our hosts’ generosity, the warmth and kindness of the people I met, and the sheer beauty of the landscape. I was also deeply moved by the cultural legacy, the sobering weight of recent history, and the profound devastation it caused—yet balanced by the optimism inspired by recent economic growth and reconstruction programmes.
We encountered many people exploring fascinating ideas across the arts and other disciplines. Unfortunately, our schedule occasionally limited the opportunity for sustained dialogue and meant we were often unable to accept the many invitations to visit artists’ studios.
I believe that a new climate of stability is fostering a flowering of artistic activity and providing the freedom to discuss differing perspectives. As artists, we flourish through the exchange of ideas, which is why it is essential that we travel to meet one another face-to-face. It is equally important to dedicate time to viewing and discussing each other’s work; there is so much we can learn from one another.”
A.R.G.
