Art, War and Another Afghanistan

​​Writers, musicians, sportspeople, artists, refugees and activists celebrate the resilience, art and creativity of Afghanistan.  

Haunting images from Kabul Airport filled Western television screens following the 2021 Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, drawing into sharp relief the devastation caused by decades of conflict and the West’s failure of accountability. The Twenty Years project is a coalition of contemporary artists and journalists that aims to centre the voices and stories of Afghanistan, and to reflect on and respond to the legacy of the longest war in US and Australian history. At this event, you’ll hear from writers, musicians, sportspeople, artists, refugees and activists in a celebration of the resilience, joy and creativity of Afghanistan. Photographer Barat Ali Batoor and soccer player Fatima Yousufi will speak with Diana Sayed, CEO of the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights, about their experiences both here and in Afghanistan. Batoor uses photography to draw attention to the plight of Afghanistan and its people, while Fatima is a member of the Afghanistan’s national women’s soccer team and evacuated from the country following the Taliban takeover. There will also be a screening of the short film 20 Years: The Words that Shaped the War in Afghanistan and an opening address by co-creator of the Twenty Years Project Antony Loewenstein. The evening will conclude with a performance of music and song by Taqi Khan. This is a rare opportunity to experience a multidisciplinary showcase celebrating Afghanistan’s creativity and passion, without intervention.

Photograph by Barat Ali Batoor. 

Supported by RMIT Culture