Warsha Art Workshops

Middle East, Performing Arts, Storytelling, Cultural Heritage, Raising Awareness, Trauma Healing, Interethnic Dialogue

Warsha1-min

About

Warsha is an organisation that actively promotes and supports local art and cultural production in Syria. In addition to their efforts in the arts, they facilitate genuine multicultural dialogues with the aim of fostering mutual understanding among people. They believe that when people get to know each other, they are less likely to have conflicts. To achieve this, Warsha organises workshops that connect individuals and communities through music and film. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for people to bond and learn from each other.

Challenges

The ongoing conflict in Syria has led to social division among citizens, constant accusations, and persistent threats. The country is currently facing a critical division which has led to an escalation of financial, social, educational, and overall developmental crises. These crises are creating a blockage among citizens, making it difficult for them to focus on anything else. As they struggle to secure their basic daily needs, they are unable to consider the needs and concerns of other partners in the country. 

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SOURCES OF RESILIENCE

Fostering trust by engaging in community dialogue through cultural and artistic events

Developing smaller intersected communities to ensure the sustainability of Warsha’s ultimate goal

Music has been a prominent and enduring strength of the city, both historically and in modern times

The intangible cultural heritage plays a vital role in defining the identity of a city

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IMPACT

1

Workshops provided opportunities for citizens from diverse backgrounds and ideologies to come together in safe spaces, engage in dialogue, and foster mutual understanding and acceptance through their creative and musical production.

2

Project had an intangible impact on participants, leading to a shift in their perspectives and approaches to the other.

3

Warsha's ecosystem has produced a fascinating outcome that can be quantified - the emergence of several noteworthy art and culture initiatives and micro-projects. These initiatives have been launched by Warsha alumni.

People in the Middle East, they are attached to their music. If you want to make any change in the Middle East you need to focus mainly on music and music production.

Founder of Warsha
Network

LESSONS LEARNT

1

It is essential to depend on and invest in both local and national sources of resilience (Music in this case)

2

Taking locality into consideration ensures reaching out to a larger number of audience members and beneficiaries, and as a result achieving wider long-term impact

3

It is possible to export/import successful work modules, on the condition that the local aspects are carefully considered

4

Adopt a bottom-up approach to build trust and boost coexistence