Sudanese artists displaced by war work to preserve culture amid ongoing conflict

What happened

Al Jazeera Sudan reports on artists displaced by the conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, focusing on individuals now based in Port Sudan. Artists like Awad Haroun, a theatre director and visual artist forced to flee Khartoum North, have lost homes, artistic tools, and workspaces but continue creating through performance and workshops with local cultural groups, supported in part by UNESCO initiatives.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The report highlights the challenges these displaced artists face, including precarious shelter conditions and uncertainty about their futures. Haroun’s Ahalina cultural group uses theatre, music and puppetry to engage youth and foster peace despite the ongoing war, exemplifying how cultural work persists amid displacement and material loss.

Further illustrating this cultural struggle, musician and filmmaker Asim Abdelaziz, who fled El Obeid after drone attacks, works alone in a shelter for displaced artists. Through programs addressing hate speech and social division, he aims to use music to promote unity and preserve Sudan’s diverse cultural heritage during the conflict.

Known from the source

• Conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023.
• Artists including Awad Haroun and Asim Abdelaziz fled conflict areas and relocated to Port Sudan.
• According to the source, Awad Haroun lost his home, workspace, and artistic tools during the fighting.
• Awad Haroun founded the Ahalina cultural group in 2013, which works to engage youth through arts and promote peace.
• UNESCO estimated a $30 million funding gap for Sudan’s cultural sector in June 2026.

What remains unclear

UNESCO assessments included in the article underline a $30 million funding gap in Sudan’s cultural sector as of mid-2026 and note ongoing support for hundreds of displaced artists and cultural workers through local unions and international partnerships. This reflects the broader impact of war on Sudan’s cultural infrastructure and livelihoods.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify exact numbers of displaced artists supported and current shelter conditions. Confirm scope and funding details of UNESCO-supported cultural programs referenced. Check quotes for context and accuracy regarding art’s role in peacebuilding amid war.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Sudan. Open the source.