Reclaimed and Revealed: The Culmination of the Transforming Sudan: Production Fund
The Reclaimed and Revealed event marked the grand finale of the Transforming Sudan Production Fund, a program that has supported Sudanese artists over the past five years in creating impactful cultural narratives and fostering resilience through art. Held across three renowned Cairo venues—Darb 1718, Altasamouh Center, and Goethe-Institut—the event celebrated the creative achievements of seven 2024 Production Fund winners under the theme Beyond Transformation: Reclaiming Narratives.
The journey of the Production Fund was brought to life at the opening ceremony on the first day at Darb 1718. The exhibition showcased the works of the 2024 winners alongside brochures and giveaways detailing the five-year history of the program and the bios of its participants. An interactive session led by Metche, and artists from ‘the People’s Manifesto’ project opened the evening, focusing on art as a medium for resistance and healing. The day concluded with a celebratory ceremony and the official unveiling of the projects, setting the tone for the three-day celebration.
The second day at Altasamouh Center began with a vibrant program for families and children, featuring storytelling sessions, interactive games, and a captivating musical performance. This was followed by a panel discussion titled Storytelling and Memory, where winners Ahmed Almostafa, Siza Sorkati, and Abdalgani Karamallah shared their approaches to connecting personal and collective memories through storytelling. Their discussion highlighted the importance of preserving narratives amid displacement, offering a heartfelt and inclusive experience for attendees of all ages.
The program concluded on a high note at the Goethe-Institut with a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Sarah Hag Alhassan. Artists Reem Aljealy and Imad Babbu shared their experiences of adapting creatively during war and operating collaboratively under challenging conditions. Cultural manager Khalid Ali offered insights into how artists can navigate new cultural contexts and engage with host communities effectively. The event concluded with a powerful musical performance by Elfatih Mohamed Abdallah (Zolo), whose work exemplified the event's theme by celebrating Sudan’s rich cultural diversity and highlighting art’s role in societal transformation.
The Reclaimed and Revealed event was not only a celebration of the exceptional talent supported by the Production Fund but also a testament to the program’s broader legacy. Over five years, the Transforming Sudan Production Fund empowered artists to reclaim their narratives and amplify their voices, demonstrating the critical role of art in fostering resilience and connection in times of adversity. This culminating event encapsulated the essence of the program, leaving an enduring impact on Sudanese art and its role in shaping transformative cultural dialogues.
