Scope of Work

Cultural Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy) works in film, music, theatre, dance, visual arts and literature. It also encourages artistic experiments that attempt to cross over artistic fields.

Cultural Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy) works in three main areas:

1- Production, Distribution and Training:

Al Mawred aims at expanding opportunities for independent cultural production with an emphasis on work produced by young people. This is achieved by offering production awards through an open application process. The awards are complimented with administrative and marketing services that are available to projects funded by Al Mawred Al Thaqafy as well as to other small independent projects.

In addition, Al Mawred seeks to introduce and showcase works produced by young and new creators in the Arab region and other regions of the developing world. These works are presented in a central space in Cairo in regular events that bring together artists, critics and audiences. Some works are toured within the region and outside.

The organization also offers training programs that are tailored to address common needs of young artists and writers and new cultural groups, such as arts management training programs.

2- Strengthening the Economic Base for Independent Cultural Work:

Al Mawred Al Thaqafy attaches particular importance to engaging international donors, whether private or governmental, in conversations that result in giving more attention to the independent cultural sector in the region. Al Mawred Al Thaqafy also seeks to explore possibilities of building long-term partnerships with the corporate sector in the region. Establishing and improving contact with the mass media is also an important strategy to advocate for independent cultural work.

In addition to seeking diverse sources of funding for its core activities and award programs, Al Mawred Al Thaqafy also offers advice and technical assistance to small cultural groups on fundraising and marketing.

The establishment of an independent fund for Arab arts is a long-term goal that requires a process of open discussion and advocacy among potential beneficiaries as well as donors. This process will be initiated by Al Mawred Al Thaqafy organizing a wide discussion of this idea, involving representatives of all independent groups in the region.

3- Dialogue:

Culture Resource (Al Mawred Al Thaqafy) organizes discussions and seminars on important artistic and cultural issues and their political and social contexts in the region. The dialogue agenda is designed to respond to the region's cultural priorities and with a focus on improving its interface with other regions, especially such regions as sub-Saharan Africa that have similar economic, political and social conditions. Al Mawred Al Thaqafy also works to open new channels for dialogue and collaboration between young artists and writers from the region and their peers in other parts of the developing world.