Artists and the Arab Uprisings

Regional artists can play a positive role in shaping public debate and supporting democratic transition in the Middle East. This report explores the challenges artists have faced since the Arab uprisings, U.S. government programs to support arts in the region, and the wide array of nongovernmental activities to engage Arab artists, offering recommendations to improve support for these artists.

Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Preface; Contents; Summary; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; Chapter One: Introduction; The Cultural Dimension During the Cold War; Recent Shifts in U.S. Middle East Policy; Organization of This Report; Chapter Two: Impact of the Arab Uprisings on Artistic Freedom: Egypt as a Case Study; Legal Framework for Censorship; Crowding Out Independent Voices; Self-Censorship and Economic Incentives; Early Signals from Egypt's New Authorities; Egypt's Artist Community; Portability of Egypt to Other Arab Countries; Conclusion

Chapter Three: U.S. Government Efforts to Support Artists in the Arab WorldCultural Diplomacy.; Direct Support to Arab Artists; U.S. Efforts to Highlight the Suppression of Artistic Freedom; Conclusion; Chapter Four: Nongovernmental Efforts to Engage and Support Artists in the Arab World; Programs to Cultivate Artistic Talent and Build Regional Skills; Mentor Programs and Artist Exchanges; Regional Film Schools, Training, and Film Festivals; Initiatives to Promote Arab Artists in the United States and Intercultural Understanding; Regionally Themed Filmmaking for Global Audiences

Private-Sector Models Designed to Help Fund Regional Artists…