Haider Jalil Khalaf – Researcher
The cultural sector in Iraq has faced significant challenges in recent decades due to political instability, conflict, and lack of investment. These issues have left the country’s cultural infrastructure in a fragile state, with minimal official support for policy development, management, or institutional leadership within the cultural field. Strategic intervention is critically needed, as the sector holds immense potential for enhancing national identity, social cohesion, and economic growth—especially through the preservation of heritage, arts, and tourism. Despite this potential, the absence of specialized academic programs addressing cultural policies and cultural management in Iraq has created a significant gap in the sector’s development.
Introducing a specialized Master’s program in Cultural Policies and Cultural Management represents a strategic opportunity to build the much-needed human capacities in the sector. Such a program would provide a solid foundation for developing cultural actors and managers equipped to lead and manage cultural institutions in all their diversity and fields, formulate effective policies, and promote the growth of the creative economy. By focusing on theoretical knowledge and practical skills, this program will address the urgent need for cultural leaders capable of navigating Iraq’s unique cultural landscape and contributing to its revival.
Furthermore, the program will serve as a vital tool to enhance Iraq’s cultural diplomacy efforts, allowing the country to engage more effectively in cultural dialogue and international cooperation. As Iraq seeks to rebuild and redefine its identity in the post-conflict era, this program will play a crucial role in promoting cultural sustainability and fostering a deeper understanding of the relationship between culture and development. It will also enable Iraq to position itself as a leader in cultural policy and management in the Arab region, where similar challenges exist.
In addition to contributing to Iraq’s cultural renewal, the program will have a broader societal impact by empowering a new generation of cultural managers capable of advocating for cultural rights, preserving heritage, and promoting inclusive cultural practices. Through a multidisciplinary and globally informed curriculum, students will acquire the competencies required to drive innovation in the cultural sector while preserving Iraq’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. This initiative is essential not only for the future of Iraqi cultural institutions but also for enhancing a more cohesive and resilient national identity in the face of ongoing social and political challenges.
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