20 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

The Middle East, North Africa, Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan are going through exceptional social and political change. ArtRole, an Iraqi contemporary arts organisation, was established after the second Gulf War to focus on and dedicate itself to building a cultural bridge between the Middle East, Iraq, the UK, the USA and the rest of the world. It works to establish more harmonious connections through the Arts, Culture and Education. ArtRole is committed to promoting human rights, freedom of speech and communication between genders and diverse communities. ArtRole has successfully worked on and delivered a number of arts, cultural, education and humanitarian projects in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and United Kingdom.
As an organisation promoting peaceful dialogue amongst diverse peoples, we are particularly attentive to the current instabilities in the region. ArtRole’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board are comprised of individuals from the UK, USA, Asia, Germany and Iraq. Together, we urge all parties, including civil societies, officials and residents, to move forward through non-violent means, using the democratic process to resolve conflicts, protect citizens and bring stability back to the region.

Culture Exchange

Through the development of arts and cultural activities and a network of
artists and activists between the Middle East and the rest of the world.

783

PARTICIPANTS

Artists, Activists, Academics, Diplomats, Curators, Cultural Experts, Playwrights, Educators, Peacemakers, Journalists, Filmmakers and Musicians, from around the world.

64

PROJECTS

Exhibitions, Conferences, Symposiums, Residencies, Films, Music Festivals, Training, Workshops, Literature Festivals, Visiting Professional programme etc. From around the world.

93

PARTNERS

Working with partners across the Middle East, North Africa, Africa, Europe, and America,

294

WOMEN’S PARTICIPANTS

For nearly 20 years, we have always highlighted the role of women in our projects and have also created a special project to address women’s rights.

Kurdistan: In the shadow of History – 2009

Susan Meiselas is a New York City-based professional photographer. Since 2007, she has worked as president of the Magnum Foundation …

“The Inside Beauty” Play by Catherine Filloux, at International Women’s Conference - KRI, Iraq 2011 - 2013

An international event and public programme comprising of symposia, workshops, presentations …

Richard Wilson’s iconic Installation, 20:50 kurdistan Region-Iraq, 2009

Richard Wilson’s iconic installation, 20:50, made of engine oil and steel was exhibited for many years in the Saatchi Gallery in London …

NINITI International Literature Festival, Erbil 2014

Now in its third year, the former Erbil International Literature Festival has been renamed NINITI – which is a Sumerian epithet for a goddess meaning ‘lady of life’ – to reflect …