British Council Chief Executive launches ‘Voices of the People’
During his visit to Egypt from 6–8 March, 2013, the British Council Chief Executive, Martin Davidson launched the ‘Voices of the People: Culture, Conflicts and Change in North Africa’ research on Thursday 7 March at the British Council premises in Agouza.
“Voices of the People presents the British Council’s take on the value and potential impact of arts work in the Middle East and North Africa. It acknowledges the contributions that can be made by a flourishing cultural sector as a catalyst for change and development; a social mirror, a way of giving voice to marginalised communities and as an innovative economic driver.” said Martin Davidson, British Council CEO.
The research was carried out for the British Council by the Post-War Reconstruction and Development Unit (PRDU) at the University of York during 2011 and 2012. The research was led by Professor Sultan Barakat and comprised 112 interviews with individuals or groups of artists, cultural activists and civil society representatives in Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia.
The insights gained from the research will be used by the British Council and partner organisations to help the British Council developing their work in response to the historic events that took place in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the last two years.
“We are energetically turning words into action,” said Martin Davidson. “Later this month we will be launching a new Leadership and Innovation programme in the region through a series of Labs. One of those Labs will be held in Cairo offering creative individuals the opportunity to learn, to network and to shape ideas for seed funding.”
For further information contact:
Rose marie Gad, Communication Manager, British Council Egypt
Tel: +(202) 3344 3076