Four regional partners announce the launch of a new collaborative project: “Tomorrow: Culture as a Cornerstone for Syria’s Future”.
Statement - 17 October 2025
Until December 2026, three organisations led by Ettijahat-Independent Culture, Action for Hope, AFLAMUNA and Culture Resource (Al-Mawred Al-Thaqafy), plan to coordinate efforts to provide effective responses and interventions during Syria's unprecedented transition.
Envisioning alternatives to existing structures becomes essential today, though challenging, and we firmly believe in the transformative power of collective imagination to reshape society.
Across Syria and for 17 months, we are collaborating on implementing a cultural program of trainings and grants, art education and events including exhibitions, panel discussions, cultural gatherings, performances and screenings tours, that will question established narratives and create space for diverse voices and perspectives, engaging communities.
Throughout our collaborative activities, we focus on cultural projects that demonstrate how a different Syria is possible by employing creative vision.
To strengthen the role of independent artists in driving cultural and social change and to foster a strong, authentic connection between culture, the arts, and other sectors of society, Ettijahat – Independent Culture is developing the initiatives Naseej, LIFE, and MINA.
Action for Hope (AFH) will lead the capacity development component through its Fa’ael Program, which focuses on the design and management of cultural projects under difficult circumstances. AFH will also spearhead the seeding of new arts education initiatives. Both interventions target cultural activists and managers outside Damascus and communities historically deprived of cultural infrastructure.
AFLAMUNA supports the Narratives of Today initiative, enabling filmmakers and producers to present works created over the past fourteen years to diverse audiences across Syria.
Al-Mawred Al-Thaqafy, through its programs, supports artists, cultural actors, initiatives and organizations in order to contribute to the development of the arts and creative sectors.
Creating synergies with educational institutions, economic development agencies, and social reconciliation programs, this cross-sector approach transforms culture from an isolated activity into a catalyst for comprehensive societal development.
Joining our complementary expertise, networks, and resources, we wish to enable a comprehensive approach to cultural revitalisation across Syria, helping transform imagination into tangible social change during this critical window of opportunity.
We wish to serve as a vital model for advancing cultural work and responding to support for the new Syria and its cultural endeavors.
Tomorrow: Culture as a Cornerstone for Syria’s Future is a project supported by the Dutch Lottery Foundation - DOEN, with additional support from The French Embassy in Syria and other supporters of Ettijahat.
