Halaqat – an Arabic term meaning ‘multiple links and circles’ – provides a space for cultural actors from Arab and European countries to artistically reflect on themes of care, exploring them through the lens of gender. Launched in 2021, the project fosters exchange and supports artistic productions and cultural scenes in both regions.
Halaqat explores the notion of ‘care’, a concept which is deeply related to gender topics in both regions, and tackles the questions of gender equity and sensitivity, and power dynamics, in an inclusive and intersectional way. Care is a multifaceted notion. It can refer to a particular attention or concern for someone or something, but it can also convey the idea of worrying about or looking after something, implying a sense of responsibility or vigilance. The project invites dialogue with artists, cultural practitioners and audiences, exploring the theme of care on both a structural and artistic level. How can different notions of care be addressed and expressed? How do dominant narratives influence which bodies are cared about (and which are not), and how can these narratives be challenged? How can we strengthen practices of care in the cultural scene and in society at large?
The project started in 2021 and gathered over 100 artists, partners and experts from the Arab countries and Europe, first in Brussels and later in Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. Over the last three years, more than 60,000 visitors have attended public discussions, film screenings, concerts, performances, and visual art installations at Bozar and various locations in Brussels, Madrid, Rabat, Cairo and Amman.
In this new phase, Halaqat will be primarily implemented in four Arab countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco), as well as in Belgium and include:
- Grants for artists and curators, residency hosting organisations, festivals and projects
- Showcasing: public events and awareness campaigns
- Capacity-building: workshops and mentorship programme
Youtube Halaqat - videos Flickr Halaqat
Halaqat, launched in 2021, fosters cultural exchange between Europe and the Arab region. Initially co-financed by the European Union (under the designation: EU-LAS CULTURE), Goethe-Institut and Bozar, it was implemented by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with Bozar until 2023, continuing with its own funds thereafter. The new iteration of Halaqat (2024-2027) is funded by the European Union and implemented by the Goethe-Institut. It will run for 32 months until spring 2027 with activities in Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.
