Sudan’s civil war has displaced more than 13 million people, crippled institutions, and created one of the world’s gravest humanitarian crises. Yet the conflict remains underreported on the global stage. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is now seeking to shift that narrative through “Seeing Sudan: Politics Through Art,” a three-day conference highlighting the power of culture in times of conflict.
The event, running from 18 to 20 September at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, brings together more than 50 leading scholars, artists and activists. According to GU-Q Dean Safwan M. Masri, the gathering aims to amplify Sudanese voices and underscore art’s role as “politics by other means — with memory as its medium, imagination as its arena, and survival as its aim.”
Keynote voices
Anchoring the programme is the keynote panel “Eyes on Sudan,” moderated by Dr Masri. Speakers include:
- Zeinab Badawi, renowned broadcaster, President of SOAS University of London and author of An African History of Africa (2024).
- Khalid Albaih, internationally acclaimed Sudanese political cartoonist and GU-Q’s 2025 Artist-in-Residence.
- Nesrine Malik, award-winning journalist and author, recognised for reshaping global debates on politics and identity.
- Rashid Diab, one of Sudan’s most influential contemporary artists.
Together, they will examine Sudan’s past, present and uncertain future while calling attention to the cultural heritage at risk.
Art as survival
The conference goes beyond academic discussion, offering attendees a multi-sensory immersion into Sudanese culture. Highlights include live performances by Alsarah of Alsarah & The Nubatones and composer Huda Asfour. A special art exhibition and the launch of Sudan Retold will be held at Alhosh Gallery, further underscoring the role of creativity as a tool of resilience.
Workshops and discussions will explore film, music and the experiences of the Sudanese Diaspora, framing art not just as expression but as a form of survival in the face of violence and displacement.
Bridging cultures in crisis
For Georgetown University in Qatar, the conference also marks a milestone as the institution celebrates its 20th anniversary. Organisers say “Seeing Sudan” embodies GU-Q’s mission to foster dialogue across cultures and address pressing global challenges through scholarship and exchange.
“As Sudan’s crisis risks invisibility, this conference demonstrates how culture sustains resilience and hope,” said Dean Masri.
Event details
- Seeing Sudan: Politics through Art
- 18–20 September 2025
- Four Seasons Hotel, Doha
- More information: hiwaraat.qatar.georgetown.edu/seeing-sudan-politics-through-art
By linking politics, memory and creativity, organisers hope the event will shift international attention toward a crisis too often left in the shadows — and highlight the central role of Sudanese culture in shaping a more hopeful future.
