International Women’s Conference 2011-2013
An international event and public programme comprising of symposia, workshops, presentations and an exhibition of contemporary art by female Iraqi artists including performance, installation, video, photography, theatre, painting and sculpture. The exhibition will also feature handicrafts made by women in disadvantaged circumstances; women living in shelters or prison and women attending centres for the disabled. ArtRole offers a unique platform for curators, artists and academics.
Photo:Mark Terry
Since 2006, ArtRole has emphasised the position of women in Iraqi society and their role in rebuilding the country through various projects and artist residencies focusing on such issues. In 2007, Nancy Buchanan, an artist and teacher from the USA made a film about the role of women in Kurdish society after 2003. She interviewed female politicians, artists and students. She talked to women who were in shelters protected from honour killings and women in prison. In 2008, Anne Bean a socially engaged artist from the UK developed a performance with 20 local Kurdish women in the city of Erbil. Anna Bowman, Nancy Buchanan and Anne Bean participated in a Kurdish Women’s Conference. In Post War Art & Culture Festival 2009 in Iraq and Contemporary Art Iraq 2010 in the UK, Iraqi female artists participated in ArtRole’s projects. ArtRole projects have always promoted female artists and their work internationally and in Iraq. ArtRole has a highly visible presence in the region as they implement a 5 year plan of new initiatives, continuing artist residencies and cultural exchange programmes.
1st International Women’s Conference 2011
ArtRole organised the first International Women’s Conference, Iraq, ‘Women in Action’ – a 3 day International Conference from 25-27 November 2011. This International event and public participatory programme comprised a symposium, workshops, presentations and an exhibition of contemporary art by female Iraqi artists including performance, installation, video, film, photography, painting and sculpture. The exhibition also featured handicrafts made by women in disadvantaged circumstances – women living in shelters or prison and women attending centres for the disabled.
2nd International Women’s Conference, Iraq 2012
This 2nd conference examined and explored issues of women’s rights through arts, culture and education. The programme brought Iraqi and international female artists, activists and academics together to discuss the possibilities of how culture can address the particular issues, challenges and strengths of women in Iraq.
The conference activities and public participatory programme included a symposium, workshops, presentations and a photography exhibition by Iraqi female and performance, film, and theatre Play Wak qaqnaz asoteam directed by Gaziza Omer and female actors. The exhibition also featured handicrafts made by women in disadvantaged circumstances, women living in shelters or prison and women attending centres for the disabled.
The activities took place in Sulaymania, Erbil and Halabja.
3rd International Women’s Conference, Iraq 2013
The 3rd ArtRole 3rd International Women’s Conference – Iraq, was hosted int he cities of Erbil, Sulaymania and Kirkuk. This year the conference included a theatre collaboration between an American playwright, Catherine Filloux and a Kurdish theatre director employing actors from across Iraq. There was also a symposium, presentations and discussions between international guests and local delegates. There was a photography exhibition of work by women artists and an international film screening of FGM: The film that Changed the Law in Kurdistan.
Participants:
Artists; Narmin Mostafa, Sakar Qader, Naema Roshna Rasool, Rozhgar Mahmood Mustafa, Lana Ibrahim, Chiman Ismael, Khohshi, Sazan, Asooda Muhamed Darwish, Naza Abdulah, Julie Adnan, Shawnm R. Garmiany, Zaynab Al Rakabi, Wegdan Al Magid, Zina Salm Mohsen, Nibras Hashem, Faraj Albanna, Kinanah Alkoud, Gona Hassan, Bnar Sardar, Nama Assd Ibrahim, Najla Kazi Hassan, Huda Jamal, Shoxan Mahamed Salih, Saja Amr.
Directors: Dr. Shaema Al Bakri, Ahlam Al Jaboori, Gaziza Omar, Ala Talabani, Suha Salm, Suzan M. Aref, Abir Boukhari, Dr Mieke Kolk, Edward Muallem, Susanne Vincenz, Övgü Gökçe, Ann Ward, Jenny Cecilia Carlbom, Maria Hagberg, Joyce Maio, Isabella Ellaheh Hughes, Maartje Nevejan, Margo Lee Sherman, Zahra Ali Farman Ahmed Salim, Heidi Merk, Sarah Cameron Sunde, Midya Gaddo, Shuruq Harb, Dr. Dalia Basioun, Helia Darabi, Yvonne van der Bijl, Heidi Merk, Sarah Cameron Sunde, Midya Gaddo, Shuruq Harb, Dr. Dalia Basioun, Helia Darabi, Yvonne van der Bijl, Catherine Filloux, Gaziza Omer, Bahar Monzr Othman, Dilsha Yousif Mohammed Tamo, Azhar Ali, Sahar Samadian, Hanaa Ahmed Mohammed, Elham Alzabedy, Alison Helen Salam, Suzan M. Aref, Chnar Sa’ad Abdulah, Angel Zatorski, Awezan Nury, Lameaa Alose, Rob Vreeken.
Filmmakers: Hanar Frahad, Goezan, Hawar Sharef, Sea Flower, Jowan Said, Xwncha,
Suzan Sharafani,Renge Jine, Vian Maee, White Dove, Sura Abbas , Nabaz Ahmed, Shara Amin.
