Strengthening cultural links between Europe and the Arab Region while reflecting artistically on topics of gender equality
Europe and the Arab region are two rapidly changing regions, each with specific and varied local social, economic and political realities, but above all with many connections, historical and present. Building on these connections, the Goethe-Institut present the second phase of the project Halaqat. Halaqat – which in Arabic means multiple links and circles – aims to build bridges between both regions and to strengthen cultural actors in Europe and the Arab region (MENA) to artistically address topics of gender equality. The reflection of different perspectives and mutual learning from experiences are key to the project.
Diverse voices of emerging and renowned artists, cultural actors and experts will be brought together to approach the theme of gender equality from their own perspective. Going beyond the idea of a simple invitation, Halaqat aims to stimulate to exchange, reflect together and create.
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 the Arab region (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 started in 2021 as a grant co-financed by the European Union (under the designation: EU-LAS CULTURE), the Goethe-Institut and Bozar - Centre for Fine Arts Brussels. The project was implemented by the Goethe-Institut in collaboration with Bozar from 01.02.2021 until 31.01.2023. Halaqat continued in 2023 with its own funds and with activities in Europe and mainly in the Arab region to rebalance the project on a geographical level.
The new iteration of Halaqat - Halaqat (2024-2027) - is financed by the European Union (DG Near) and starts on 1 September 2024 for a total duration of 32 months, until Spring 2027, in five countries: Belgium, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco.
