At the British Council, inclusivity is not just a guiding principle—it’s a collective responsibility. Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), we work with local partners to break barriers, increase access, and foster environments where everyone can thrive.
Our journey reflects this commitment. Three years ago, we began with small initiatives, believing in the transformative power of the arts to bridge divides and inspire change. It was a long journey—one that involved collaboration, determination, and learning. Slowly but steadily, we laid the groundwork for broader engagement, building trust and momentum.
This year, that journey culminated in the Art and Disability Summit, a milestone achievement celebrating creativity, inclusion, and leadership.
We’ve seen firsthand how the arts can bring people together and spark change. Sync Arabi empowering disability art leaders from Jordan and Palestine, Syrian artist Hamza Al Hussein’s inspiring performance of Penguin at the summit, an inclusive music ensemble enchanting young audiences with the finest of tunes, a grants scheme paving new paths for brilliant neurodivergent minds, and a vibrant public mural created with hard of hearing volunteers and local artists.
These are just few examples of how our projects are celebrating creativity and inclusion, while building stronger, more connected communities. Equally inspiring are the efforts of my colleagues across the MENA region, who are championing inclusivity in diverse and meaningful ways:
In Egypt, our team are partnering with the Ministry of Education on the Schools Where All Students Thrive campaign, integrating students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) into mainstream schools.
In Iraq, we support young people, including those with disabilities, by providing platforms to showcase their talents and access opportunities in the creative economy.
In Tunisia, we are working with local organisations to uplift vulnerable youth and ensure their contributions are recognised.
In Lebanon, we offer resilience labs and safe spaces to empower marginalised communities, including persons with disabilities, to develop skills and build their futures.
In Morocco, we are supporting youth-led initiatives that drive social change and promote inclusion in communities. Let’s Work Together: Small Steps Create Big Impacts.
Writer: Alaa Qattam – Head of arts levant