I'm a Paris-based, Damascus-born, independent arts manager, consultant, writer and translator. For the past 20 years, I've designed and produced residencies, festivals, conferences, and artists support programs in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and the United-States. My areas of expertise span a wide palette of disciplines ranging from performing and visual arts, literature, and film.
All through my career, I've accompanied the development of new projects through grant and capacity building programs, labs and residencies, and various tailor-made experiences including training and mentorship activities. I've initiated collaborations between artists and arts organizations across disciplines and continents. I've provided consultancy to diplomatic representations and non-profit organizations in terms of international development and cross-cultural cooperation. Audience outreach is also at the heart of my work as a programmer and multicultural communications expert. I've designed and led the communication strategies and media campaigns of multiple events, programs, and project-based initiatives. 
As a researcher, writer and panelist, I'm particularly interested in art in times of war and historical violence, artistic diasporas and the circulation of works & ideas, social cohesion and inclusive approaches in the creative fields. I'm also a passionate advocate of arts and culture as mediums for democratic empowerment, cultural rights and freedom of speech. I've published articles, essays, research papers, interviews, and podcasts in regional and international newspapers, magazines, and cultural platforms.
I've also contributed to several cultural policies working groups, with a special focus on the international representation and the working conditions of artists and cultural workers from the Global South and underrepresented communities. I have also been active in the field of artists protection and asylum seekers through different types of programs and public interventions.
As an editor and translator, I regularly facilitate the circulation and understanding of texts and contexts in Arabic, French, and English. 

Detailed CV/Resume

Contact: jumana.alyasiri(at)gmail.com