Cultural Policy Under Settler Colonialism in Palestine (Working title)

This research examines the development of cultural policy in Palestine under settler colonialism, with a particular focus on developments since the establishment of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture in 1994. It explores the definition, role and significance of cultural policy in this context, examining how the enduring absence of sovereignty, self-determination, and independence has influenced it. The research underscores the policies, frameworks or mechanisms that have been implemented or could be strategically employed by cultural policy actors to enhance the promotion of culture in Palestine and the Diaspora, highlighting the concept of cultural Sumud as a vital element of Palestinian identity and resilience.

In this context, the research critically evaluates the political, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors that have shaped the Palestinian cultural policymaking landscape, including the significant challenges presented by the consequences of settler colonialism. To support this analysis, the research will assess both governmental cultural institutions in Palestine and prominent cultural non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Palestine and the Diaspora, investigating the development and implementation of Palestinian cultural policy. 

This research seeks to address a significant gap in the existing literature by exploring the relationship between settler colonialism and cultural policymaking. By emerging theories from public policy and cultural studies, this work aims to offer valuable insights into how cultural policies can effectively support communities living under a settler colonial regime. The research aspires to enhance our understanding of the interplay between cultural policy and colonialism, particularly as it navigates the intricate issues involved in the development and implementation of cultural policy in Palestine. Furthermore, this research applies the theories from public policy and cultural studies to cultural practices and management within a colonial context, where cultural policies may play a crucial role in fostering resilience and recovery.

Yasmin Foqahaa is a Palestinian researcher and cultural practitioner with professional experience in both the cultural sector and the field of developmental research. She holds an MA in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University in the United States. She is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Manchester's Institute for Cultural Practices, with a focus on cultural policy and settler colonialism in Palestine. Her most recent professional experience as Research Director for the Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD) focused on managing research projects related to gender, agriculture, economic empowerment, youth, child protection, feminism, culture, and other developmental initiatives in Palestine and the MENA region. As a freelance consultant, she supported several Palestinian cultural institutions in fundraising, resource development, strategic planning, and managing art projects, including Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, Birzeit University Museum and Faculty of Art and Music, and Shababek Art Collective in Gaza in Palestine. Foqahaa co-authored and contributed to the research on arts and disability in Jordan, Palestine and Lebanon for the Disability Under Siege Project with the University of Birmingham. She was also a primary research assistant to the Arabic version of the book entitled: “The Origins of Palestinian Art” written by Bashir Makhoul and Gordon Houn.