Art Moves Africa – Retracing Roots and Tracing New Routes: Mobility and Touring in North Africa

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Summary of Outcomes
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8.
SECURITY CONCERNS
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Libya is the country most affected by security
concerns, with militias present across
the country and namely controlling airports.
Recent conflict in the country has isolated
cultural actors living there (namely through
border closures and closure of embassies)
and discourages international actors from
pursuing projects there.
Security concerns also affect potential travellers
to Egypt, especially from marginalized
identities, who are aware of increasing limitations
on freedom of expression, arbitrary
incarceration, etc.
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9.
RESTRICTIONS ON FREEDOM
OF MOVEMENT AS CENSORSHIP
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In Egypt, restrictions on freedom of movement
are part of a broader mechanism designed to
limit freedom of expression and association.
Restrictions on freedom of movement have
also been noted in Morocco, Algeria and
Tunisia.
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10.
POSTCOLONIAL AND
POST-REVOLUTION DISPENSATION
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Some respondents noted that weak mobility
in the region can be attributed to the idea that
the region is “searching for itself,” in the wake
of conflicts, revolutions and ongoing profound
transformations at the social, economic, and
political levels. One impact is that some artists
are focused on developing their careers and
scenes at a local level, addressing issues and
concerns rooted in their surroundings, and do
not prioritize international travel. However, it also
flows from this dispensation that the pursuit of
international opportunities can be undermined
by a difficulty positioning oneself and relating to
others in a constantly changing climate.
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11.
DISILLUSIONMENT WITH MOBILITY
AND TRAVEL CONDITIONS
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A number of respondents questioned the usefulness
of pursuing mobility projects today, given
the above-described limitations.
a) Respondents noted that mobility often seems
to have been drained of its human and creative
aspects and reduced to a purely quantitative
indicator, often in development and
cooperation schemes. Feeling the impact
of budgetary constraints and visa duration
restrictions, they note that attendance at
festivals and other events often feels more
draining than it is nourishing or inspiring.
b) Three respondents named the framework
of international cooperation as an impediment
to meaningful cultural exchange. The
terms of exchange being dictated by foreign
– usually European – institutions, artists
find their liberty of creation and move-ment
constrained by foreign agendas and budgets,
sometimes finding themselves held
up as ambassadors of successful cultural
diplomacy rather than as creators in their
own right.