Iraq’s Cultural Events: Factors Behind Low Public Engagement

Iraq’s cultural events face low public turnout despite government initiatives to promote the arts. Critics highlight associations with authority, repetitive themes, and community isolation as reasons for lack of engagement, urging a more strategic approach to attract a wider audience.

Despite concerted governmental efforts to foster literature, art, and heritage, Iraq’s cultural events continue to experience minimal public engagement, primarily attracting specialists. Ahmed Al-Aliawi, a spokesperson for the Ministry, confirmed that the ministry oversees various cultural activities, such as literary festivals, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions, intending to enhance the cultural landscape of the country.

Al-Aliawi expressed that although the ministry plays a supportive role in multiple events, many operate independently. The Ministry’s involvement extends to supervising activities like poetry readings and intellectual seminars, aiming to promote cultural dialogue.

Mohammed Al-Kaabi, a poet and critic, pointed out that the historical associations between cultural events and political authority deter public interest, rendering these events less relevant to societal issues. He indicated that a multitude of cultural organizations has resulted in a perception that such events are politically motivated, leading to disengagement, particularly from university students who might benefit from these cultural initiatives.

Visual artist Mohammed Al-Mutairi noted that cultural activities often remain isolated within specific artistic communities, creating a disconnect from larger audiences. He mentioned that the International Book Fair stands out as an exception, consistently drawing a diverse group of attendees including writers, artists, and students.

Theater artist Zaki Al-Jaber criticized the repetitive nature of themes within cultural festivals, arguing this contributes to dwindling public interest. He highlighted issues such as poor venue selection and inconvenient scheduling, which undermine attendance, leading to attendees leaving events for discussions outside. Al-Jaber emphasized that a strategic reevaluation is necessary to invigorate these cultural gatherings, advocating for innovative topics and broader audience appeal.

Iraq’s cultural events are struggling with low public attendance despite significant government efforts. The challenges include past political associations, perceptions of motivation behind events, and the isolation of cultural activities within specific communities. Critics call for a more innovative approach to cultural programming to broaden appeal and foster a stronger connection between cultural pursuits and the general populace.

Original Source: shafaq.com