This two-day public forum will open wide discussions about society, culture and everyday life in Iraq. For decades, the Western media has shown these countries as threats to global peace – this event brings together specialists and professionals in mass media, the visual performing arts, cultural and social studies and history to examine Western representations of Iraq and Iran. More importantly, this forum offers diverse and alternative accounts of real life in Iraq and Iran today.

The meeting over two days includes invited speakers, roundtable discussions and sections for short papers on the four topics outlined above. Allotted discussion time will enable considerable interactive involvement from audiences throughout the event.

The event programme will include talks by Iraqi American artist Wafaa Bilal, BBC news journalist Rageh Omaar and art historian Kathy Battista and a panel, moderated by Anthony Downey of Ibraaz within the session WHERE TO NOW: Everyday Culture in Iraq Today, featuring panelists Adel Abidin, Rijin Sahakian, Omar Kholeif and Jananne Al-Ani. There will also be a lecture performance by the arts collective Slavs and Tatars followed by the launch of their new book Friendship of Nations: Polish Shi’ite Showbiz.

This event is organised by Winchester Centre for Global Futures in Art, Design & Media, in partnership with Ibraaz. More information.

Tickets £20 / £5 concs- buy here

© Image: Wafaa Bilal, Ashes Series: Chair, 50″x40″, archival inkjet, 2003-2013. Courtesy of the artist.