Magnifying the voices of Algerian creative workers
“What an unprecedented opportunity to recognize past achievements of cultural work as well as look towards the future together.” Christine Merkel, a member of UNESCO’s Expert Facility for the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), opened the workshop that took place from 13 to 15 November in Alger, Algeria.
The purpose of this multi-day training was to prepare a newly formed national team for the upcoming submission of Algeria’s first Quadrennial Periodic Report (QPR), an extensive form that captures the current state, past achievements and emerging challenges related to cultural governance. “We are fortunate to have representatives from multiple Ministries as well as civil society organizations, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences around Algeria’s growing creative sector,” said Saadene Ayadi, the Director of Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture. Salim Dada, the country’s focal point for the 2005 Convention and national expert in charge of the drafting of Algeria’s first QPR, echoed Ayadi’s sentiment. “The make-up of the team represents the spirit of our first Report.”
New initiatives boost the Cultural and Creative Industries
Examples of new and dynamic cultural initiatives and policies were exchanged throughout the three-day interactive workshop. National Council of Arts and Humanities shared their artist ID card initiative and the fiscal identification number for professionals, facilitating creative workers to apply for health insurance schemes and contribute to retirement funds. Represented by Nacira Ayachia and its former Director General Hakim Taousar, National Office for Copyright and Related Rights was also identified as a direct contributor to the enhanced economic rights of artists.
A recurring topic of discussions was the benefits and challenges of the policy on free access to cultural activities. While it democratizes access and enjoyment of arts and culture, some said that it can also hinder the fair compensation of artists as well as the recognition of art as an occupation rather than leisure. Over the years, cultural actors have taken initiatives to challenge this perception. Nabila Goumeziane, the Director of Culture in Tizi Ouzou, said asking the public to pay a symbolic price to attend theatre pieces and artistic performances has been a practical way to raise awareness on artists being cultural professionals who need to make a living.
Gender equality was another subject that ignited an active conversation. “I would not deny the existence of gender parity. I am, for example, one of two female members out of thirty-two at the Council in Tizi Ouzou,” said Goumeziane. “But in executing our work, there is no discrimination. Whoever is responsible for a given task has the floor no matter the gender. I cannot say that this is the case across the country, but I can say that I am witnessing a palpable change.”
Local productions lead to national diversity
The creation and promotion of local cultural productions is key to the successful implementation of the UNESCO Convention. In Algeria, wilayas – the 48 provinces across the country – have long been the source of diverse content and expressions, and the idea that local creativities can contribute to sustainable development at provincial level is taking root. Simultaneously, the constitutionalization of culture in Algeria symbolized the official recognition of culture as a vehicle to sustainable development.
Ziani-Cherif Ayad, the Director of Gosto Théâtre, shared the importance of culture for national reconciliation and identity. When Ayad assumed his position as a director of the National Theater, his priority was to bring visibility to Algerian writers. “When I was at La Friche Belle de Mai, a creative hub in Marseille, I had the opportunity to develop a new project with the mission to help contemporary Arab dramaturgy achieve their vision, work, and diversity.”
Diversity of cultural content cannot be realized without the diversity of funding sources – this was the consensus among public and civil society participants.
Culture belongs to all – the way forward for Algeria’s burgeoning creative sector
The workshop concluded with an adoption of the work plan for the QPR preparation. Participants hope that the Report will serve as a practical tool to advocate for and showcase Algerian culture. “I think the work that we did in the past three days will ignite a lot of discussions,” said Nabila Rezaig, the Director of Development and the Promotion of Arts at the Ministry of Culture. “We have all the elements and tools necessary to successfully implement the Convention.”
Salim Dada added “Algerian culture does not just belong to institutions – it belongs to the society. […] Culture sector, in turn, does not just belong to artists – there are researchers, administrators, technicians… it is one big family, and each member deserves a voice. […] Cultural policies are there to help, improve, explore, as well as to insert culture into important conversations about Algeria’s future. Presenting evidences of culture’s positive impact is the best way to bring recognition to cultural workers, and UNESCO’s QPR is the first step.”