Reflections of young artists in Syrian opposition-held areas
Young Syrian artists collaborated to illustrate life in opposition-held areas during the Covid-19 pandemic. The artists produced two exhibitions – combining art, music, and activities – that offer powerful insights into the daily lives of Syrian displaced and ethnic minorities, and demonstrate how art can bring people together and act as a tool for local peace.
The two exhibitions were held as part of the FCDO-funded Covid Collective Research Platform at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), which revolves around work by the Political Settlements Research Programme (PSRP) on the nexus between the Covid-19 pandemic, peace and conflict and the interplay between several layers of crises. In Syria, PSRP Research Associate Dr Juline Beaujouan and two of her colleagues – Abdulah El hafi and Eyas Ghreiz – built on collaborations with local communities in opposition-held areas in the northwest of the country to investigate the shifting role of local civil society during the pandemic.
The research team partnered with two groups of artists in Azaz and Afrin in the northwest of Aleppo. Both cities are currently under the control of the de facto Syrian Interim Government and a strong Turkish influence at a political and military level. Sixteen young artists aged 16 to 25 collaborated on the project to depict the lives of their communities during the pandemic. Through 60 unique creations, they offered valuable and graphic insights into the suffering of Syrian displaced and ethnic minorities, among other important themes.
Photo: Blue Team
Photo: Civilian Cultural Association
There is not only Covid-19 Syrians suffer from
The first art exhibition, "There is not only Covid-19 Syrians suffer from' was held in Azaz on 7 April 2021, with the support of Athar Youth Team and in collaboration with the Free University of Aleppo. It was attended by close to 400 visitors, including important local figures such as the president of the University, a member of the Constitutional Committee, members of the Syrian Coalition and members of the Syrian Civil Defense (White Helmets).
Photo: Blue Team
Let us draw peace together
On 12 April 2021, the second exhibition, 'Let us draw peace together' was held in Afrin – a city historically inhabited by Kurdish populations – in collaboration with the Civilization Cultural Association and Gaziantep University. The event was meant as an encounter between Arab and Kurdish artists to foster cross-community interactions. Besides visual art, it featured live music and activities for children and attracted 200 visitors. Partners and volunteers were particularly grateful as it was the first event of its kind to bring together two groups representing different ethnic and religious affiliations around a common project.
Photo: Blue Team
Photo: Blue Team
Virtual exhibition
The exhibitions will soon be accessible virtually.
