A Study on the Conditions of Sudanese Artists Affected by War

Last July, we conducted an online questionnaire on the situation of Sudanese artists after the war, the questionnaire targeted artists inside and outside Sudan, and after analysing responses from 45 Sudanese artists, we come to you with this report, highlighting the situation of these artists, where they’re currently based, whether they’re able to carry on with their artistic practices and more. The report is available in Arabic and English.

Armed clashes erupted in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, resulting in mass displacement and the collapse of infrastructure and essential services. As a result, Khartoum witnessed a migration of residents, with the number of displaced people reaching approximately three million by the beginning of August and likely to reach five million by early October. These conditions have had a general impact on social groups, and no one has been exempted from this war or its effects.

The artistic community is among the most affected groups, whether those working in educational institutions such as art colleges or high schools, private institutions such as art studios or design in general. This group is financially vulnerable due to living conditions, in addition to the decline of the art market in Sudan.

In July 2023, The Muse multi studios conducted a questionnaire that aims to understand the situation of artists in these circumstances to shed light on their social, familial, and financial conditions. It specifically focuses on artists and art practitioners in conflict-affected areas, with a particular emphasis on Khartoum. The questionnaire provides recommendations and general guidelines to respond to the crisis experienced by visual artists and art producers.