1.Introduction

This study is part of a project called Launching advocacy actions in the EU to promote the inclusion of MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) artists, cultural workers and organisations in post-COVID-19 EU cultural policies and funding schemes. The project is conducted by Culture Action Europe (CAE). The main objective of the project is:

to involve artists, cultural workers and organisations from MENA countries residing in the EU in shaping European cultural policies and funding schemes that are more inclusive and better safeguard the fundamental rights of these groups (including working conditions, mobility, freedom of artistic expression and gender equality).

According to its terms of reference, the specific objective of this study – entitled In search of Equal Partners – is:

to reveal the particular circumstances and realities of MENA artists and cultural workers residing in the EU and determine the main challenges in living a fulfilling professional life, as well as co-operating with their EU peers. Specific focus will be on issues of working conditions, freedom of movement and freedom of artistic expression. This will be assessed in the light of the COVID-19 crisis, which has abruptly aggravated those working and living conditions.

Ultimately, the study is meant to allow CAE to identify relevant and plausible recommendations at EU level. this will inspire further advocacy on the issue of the situations of the MENA artists and cultural workers residing in the EU, and at the same time include and involve those who would benefit from such advocacy efforts in their current and future work.