Artistic heart of Iraq's Kurdistan thrives, but wants more public engagement Sulaimaniyah, often called the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s “culture capital,” has become something of a haven for artists, though obstacles remain for the vibrant and self-sustaining artistic center they envision. Iraq
Libyan artists turn to black comedy to show youth exploitation A play dubbed “Chocolate Egg” uses black comedy to show the exploitation of young Libyans by officials to lure them into military formations. North Africa
Saudi 2030 to expand art scene in Jeddah, Riyadh With Saudi Arabia’s new social reform plan the local art scene is blooming with a plethora of cultural initiatives. Legacy: Gulf
Gaza's first female beekeeper expands apiary The enclave's first female beekeeper speaks about the challenges facing Gaza's beekeeping profession. Palestine
Lebanon launches suicide hotline to raise awareness about mental health In light of social stigma and limited health care, a Lebanese NGO is launching a suicide hotline to help people suffering from mental illnesses overcome their problems. Lebanon
Can animated film sensitize Israelis to suffering in Gaza? A human rights organization has produced a short animated film about a girl in a candy factory to explain the conditions in Gaza caused by the blockade. Palestine
Egyptian women speak out amid global focus on sexual harassment While social media campaigns are giving voice to many hitherto voiceless women in Egypt, much remains to be done about sexual harassment in the country. Egypt
Egypt's female performance groups on the rise All female dance groups in Egypt are becoming more popular at weddings and other cultural gatherings, but still must conform with society's conservative beliefs on music. Egypt
Egypt prepares for return of IS fighters' children Egypt is preparing to welcome and provide rehabilitation services for 15 Egyptian children who were found in Islamic State camps in Libya. Egypt
Mud, rocks on menu in Beirut for Sharjah cultural event One of the major contemporary art experiences in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates' Sharjah festival, held events in Beirut, Istanbul, Ramallah and Dakar. Lebanon
Artists in Istanbul grapple with migration, loss The refugee crisis sparked by war and economic upheaval in the Middle East leaves its mark on the Istanbul Biennial and satellite events. Syria
Virtual museum brings world’s masterpieces to Gaza The University of Palestine's new virtual museum lets Gazans experience the world's artwork and monuments without having to leave the besieged Gaza Strip. Palestine
Huge crowds descend on Egyptian city to celebrate Sufi mystic For one week, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians travel to the city of Tanta to honor Ahmed al-Badawi, the most popular Sufi mystic in the country, with ancient rituals and traditions. Egypt
Egyptian initiative spotlights women's rights through film Through her Women’s Cinema initiative, Egyptian parliamentarian Mona Mounir hopes to raise awareness of women's issues and provide a platform for women to discuss sensitive topics. Egypt
Iraqi Christian politicians denounce church's intervention in politics Statements from the Christian clergy and political blocs in Iraq show a conflict between the church and Christian political parties on controlling the Christian political discourse. Iraq
Egyptian kids learn empathy through virtual travel A Cairo-based intercultural community space picks up from where the local education gap has left by teaching children empathy and multiculturalism. Egypt
