Many creative voices and platforms have emerged throughout the Levant, North Africa, East Africa, and the Horn of Africa in the past decade, including artists working in these regions and those in diaspora in Europe and the United States whose work is inextricably tied to their Middle Eastern and African identities.

Over the past few years, AFSC held two convenings focused on the MENA region, in Casablanca, Morocco (June 2022), and in Amman, Jordan (January 2023). The topic was “The Power of Cultural Organizing in the MENA Region: A Dialogue and Exchange for Artists and Activists.” A research report, content from the in-person convenings, podcasts, and other related materials are organized here. Another convening, “The Power of Arts and Culture for Healing,” was recently held for participants from East Africa and the Horn of Africa in Nairobi (May 2025). A new research report is forthcoming.