Sudanese Artists Fight to Preserve Cultural Heritage Amid Ongoing Conflict

Displacement and the Struggle for Survival

Following the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, numerous artists and cultural professionals were forced to flee their homes. Awad Haroun, a 45-year-old visual artist and theatre director, left behind his home, workspace, and equipment in Al-Halfaya, Khartoum North, relocating to Port Sudan with minimal belongings.

Similarly, Asim Abdelaziz, a 31-year-old musician and filmmaker, departed El Obeid in November 2023 amid escalating violence and drone attacks. Both artists, alongside other displaced cultural workers, found temporary refuge in Port Sudan, where local organizations and international bodies have worked to offer support.

The Toll on Sudan's Cultural Sector

The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the nation's artistic infrastructure. According to reported figures from UNESCO in June 2026, Sudan's cultural sector faced a $30 million funding gap. The broader impact includes damaged heritage sites, disrupted livelihoods, and the destruction of personal studios, galleries, and archives.

Despite these challenges, institutional and grassroots efforts have emerged to support displaced creators:

• Shelter and Basic Needs: The Artists and Writers Union in Port Sudan, alongside other local and international entities, established shelters in converted schools for displaced artists and their families.
• Community Engagement: Initiatives such as the Wasel Festival, organized by the Ahalina Cultural Group in partnership with UNESCO, provided platforms for theatrical performances and traditional arts workshops.
• Educational and Social Programs: Projects have focused on training children in displacement camps in handicrafts, utilizing art to promote social cohesion, and addressing issues such as hate speech and drug awareness.

Using Art as a Tool for Resilience

Displaced artists continue to utilize their crafts to maintain cultural identity and foster community resilience. Awad Haroun has engaged young people through theatre, music, and puppetry to promote peace, while Asim Abdelaziz founded a project named Mokhalaya to document and archive traditional music and rhythms from across Sudan.

According to Abdelqader Hashem, secretary of the Red Sea State Writers and Artists Union, many displaced artists have since returned to their homes in Khartoum following the Sudanese army's recapture of the capital. However, uncertainty remains for those still navigating displacement and potential housing evictions in Port Sudan.

*Readers can verify official institutional updates and funding statuses by consulting reports directly published by UNESCO or contacting local cultural unions in Port Sudan.*