As part of the “Open Eye” project, the Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies hosted an open discussion focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding the promotion of culture in the city of Sulaymaniyah. Participants emphasized the need for greater support for the city’s cultural and artistic sectors and called on government institutions and relevant stakeholders to give the issue greater attention.
The event was held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, under the title “Making Culture Ambassador Making Sulaymaniyah Ambassador.” During the seminar, Dr.Mohsin Adib, Director General of Culture in Sulaymaniyah, presented a future-oriented project aimed at strengthening Sulaymaniyah’s role as the cultural identity of the Kurdistan Region and enhancing its contribution to the cultural and artistic landscape.
Throughout the discussion, writers, intellectuals, university professors, and artists shared their views on the current state of culture and the arts in the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Sulaymaniyah. Participants noted that the financial crisis and other challenges experienced in recent years have negatively affected cultural and artistic activities and have contributed to the decline of a number of cultural initiatives and institutions.
At the conclusion of the event, participants praised the initiative launched by the Vision Foundation for Strategic Studies and expressed hope that the recommendations and observations raised during the discussion would be taken into consideration and translated into practical measures. As part of its ongoing approach, the Foundation will compile the participants’ views and recommendations and submit them to relevant authorities to support future cultural policymaking.