From Palmyra to the old city of Aleppo, the destruction of ancient sites has been widely reported in the media. Artists, curators, collectors, cultural commentators and institutions are also put under increasing risk. Survival of the Artist hears about the challenges individuals, institutions and commentators face in times of unprecedented challenge. On July 2nd, 2017, a full day divided into three sessions, looking at the themes of censorship, artists at risk and heritage destruction. Sessions included presentations from each of the participants, panel discussions and audience Q&As.

coculture participated, reprasented by its director Khaled Barakeh in the morning session titled Strictly Prohibited. During the session artists presented their responses to the curtailment of freedoms, censorship and restrictions in public spaces. Speakers included: choreographers and dancers Selma and Sofiane Ouissi (founders Dream City, Tunisia), playwright and cultural activist Abdullah Alkafri (Executive Director of Ettijahat – Independent Culture, Syria), artist Khaled Barakeh (funder and director of coculture, Germany/Syria) and artist Khaled Jarrar (Palestine); chair: TJ Demos.

Event held in the Mosaic Rooms of the British Museum. Presented in partnership with The Mosaic Rooms. In collaboration with the Atassi Foundation, with additional support from Al Mawred Al Thaqafy.