The political upheavals in Sudan since 2019 - in connection with the resignation of former President Omar al-Bashir - created the possibility for free expression and the representation of art in public space in Sudan. For the first time, Sudanese cultural actors and artists could express their longing for a new democratic Sudan through graffiti, music, and poetry. The Goethe-Institut in Khartoum, wishing to support these cultural actors, initiated the project NEW SPACES - TRANSFORMING SUDAN, funded by the German Foreign Office, to create new spaces for art, culture, and social dialogue in the country.
The project comprises three pillars: a hub that brings together artists of different genres; production funds that support cultural professionals in the implementation of their projects; and a cultural trailer "Jeenak" that brings artworks and culture to public places in different parts of Sudan.
NEW SPACES “Hub“
In 2019, the Goethe-Institut established a physical Hub as a place to network, work, and exchange ideas. In addition to distinctive and high-quality technical equipment for implementing technical projects and collaborative productions, the Hub also organized workshops and training courses for young cultural professionals and members of the Hub to enable them to participate in Sudan’s dialogue on the future direction and plurality of the country.
The project included several fields: "Art-Tech Hub", "Women's Hub" and "Music Hub". In early 2020, workshops were held online due to Covid-19 restrictions, with some being held in presence again since September 2020. Key events included workshops on photography, film, and digital storytelling; workshops on information technology and graphic design; Some projects were aimed at children, such as "Female Children Paint Tomorrow," or at women, such as "You are not alone" and "Revolution Roses." There were also courses in music such as: "Live Sound Training", "Performance/Stage Management Training" and "Online Marketing Training" for the music industry.
NEW SPACES "Production Fund"
In 2019 and 2020, the Goethe-Institut in Khartoum offered cultural workers in Sudan the opportunity to promote their projects. In the two years, around 270 artists applied for funding. A total of 34 projects were shortlisted by the Goethe-Institut according to the criteria "completeness of the application" and "feasibility in the project period". The selected artists were invited to present their project ideas to the jury which chose projects with different themes between art, culture, music, fashion, and theatre. In 2019, five projects were funded, namely "Ombudsman", "Cartoons Memory - The Age of Kaizan", "Drum Circle", "Fashion Brand NINNIS" and "Stories - Riddles of the City". For 2020, the jury selected six projects: "Fatima al-samha", "Hakamat", "Music Album of Salute Yal Bannot", "Architecture photography Blog", "Cucurucu" and "The unexplored".
Additionally, various workshops were organized for the participants, including a one-day pitching workshop, the aim of which was to improve the participants' presentation skills and thus increase their chances of receiving financial support from the Production Fund. Workshops were held for the 2020 projects, for example, a project management training and a mentorship program, where the winners of the production fund were invited to an exploratory meeting with the well-known Sudanese and international artist Khalid Albaih.
NEW SPACES "Jeenak”
As the Sudanese cultural scene is focused on the capital Khartoum, the Goethe-Institut, with the project "Jeenak" ("We come to you"), attempted to bring art and culture to more rural areas and further urban centres. In 2019, a trailer was purchased and modified to make it suitable for any event. It was developed by the Goethe-Institut and Sudanese artists and offers space for plays, films, concerts, and discussions. Until today, the trailer still travels around Sudan to spread cultural programs to all parts of the country.
In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, "Jeenak" was transformed into an online format "Jeenak fi baitak" ("We come to your home"). The project featured short films that addressed current issues in Sudan, such as the role of women and cultural heritage. An interview with the author of a poem sung during the demonstrations sparked widespread reactions on social media. "This is the cultural, linguistic, and environmental diversity we are looking for" one audience member said of the "Jeenak" project, "I am sure that this country draws its strength from its enormous diversity [...]" he added.