More Than Art: Liyan Saifi on Why Culture is Critical Infrastructure for Jordan's Future

Liyan Saifi is the Cultural Advisor to the Jordanian Minister of Culture

In a Middle East pulsating with displacement, resilience, and constant reinvention, Liyan Saifi's voice cuts through, articulating the profound power of culture. As a cultural advisor to Jordan's Minister of Culture, she operates at the dynamic intersection of policy, creativity, and the lived realities of often marginalized communities.

With a rich background spanning humanitarian aid, feminist activism, and regional diplomacy, Safi redefines the role of culture, challenging the notion of culture as a luxury. For her, culture is essential infrastructure: it’s collective memory, economic empowerment, a wellspring of healing in refugee camps, a bridge to peace in conflict, and a vital tool for young women forging their own paths.

At Sound Diplomacy Events & Education, we're deeply inspired by her vision around culture and her active work in Jordan. This is why we sat down with her to find out more about her projects and career path.

In the following interview, prepare to explore her vision for a people-first cultural strategy in Jordan, the urgent call for institutional reform in the creative sector, and how seemingly small artistic acts, from a residency in Zaatari to a musical in Amman, can fundamentally reshape our sense of belonging.

Interview by Liliana Ramírez

As the Cultural Advisor to the Jordanian Minister of Culture, what are your key priorities in shaping cultural policies and initiatives in Jordan?

Liyan: "As a Cultural Advisor, my key priority is to center people in policy, recognizing culture not just as a sector, but as a driver of identity, economic growth, and social well-being. I focus on developing inclusive frameworks that support creatives, protect cultural heritage, and promote the diversity of cultural expressions. Our policies must reflect the lived realities of artists, youth, and underrepresented communities. I’m especially passionate about integrating culture into education, digital platforms, and national development strategies."

You have spent years working on the Syrian refugee crisis in both Jordanian and Syrian contexts. How has your role as a cultural advisor influenced your approach to humanitarian efforts?

Liyan: "My role as a cultural advisor has deeply reshaped how I approach humanitarian efforts; it’s taught me to center dignity, identity, and expression as fundamental rights, not afterthoughts. Working in refugee response showed me that healing, resilience, and connection are deeply cultural experiences. Through this lens, I began to see culture not as separate from humanitarian work, but as an essential pillar of it. I prioritize human-centered, creative approaches, storytelling, self-expression, and cultural preservation, even in the harshest conditions. I’ve witnessed how art can create safe spaces for trauma recovery, especially for women and children. Culture allows us to reimagine belonging, beyond borders and legal status, and reminds us that every human story deserves to be seen and heard."

How do you view the current state of cultural diplomacy in Jordan and the MENA region in times of conflict? Do you consider peace culture policies a priority in the region?

Liyan: "Cultural diplomacy in our region is still emerging but holds immense potential. In times of conflict, culture becomes a quiet but powerful force for dialogue, memory, and coexistence. Peace culture policies should absolutely be a priority, not only as conflict-resolution tools but as foundations for inclusive civic engagement, regional collaboration, and long-term resilience. Jordan is uniquely positioned to lead such efforts, given its stability, diversity, and historical role in hosting artists and thinkers from across the region."

Women's empowerment and feminist activism are strong focuses of your amazing trajectory. Can you share a project or initiative in your trajectory that has made a significant impact?

Liyan: "One initiative very close to my heart is Art Army, an art residency program which I co-founded to support Syrian women in Zaatari Camp through mixed media arts and creative production, particularly in handicrafts. This project was implemented in partnership with UN Women Oasis and began as a safe space for women to process trauma and generate income. Over time, it evolved into something much more powerful, a platform for collective agency. These women became designers, storytellers, and community leaders. For me, feminism is about creating the space and providing the tools for women to shape and own their narratives, and Art Army became a living testament to that belief."

A refugee service organization (JRS) in Amman organized the musical 'On Planet Safar', using music, dance, and performance to unite refugee communities. How do you think art and culture can foster a sense of belonging and strengthen bonds between people from different backgrounds in Amman?

Liyan: "Art transcends language and legal status—it speaks to our shared humanity. Projects like On Planet Safar are vital because they activate imagination, empathy, and joy in spaces where people often feel invisible. In a city like Amman, which holds many layers of identity and displacement, creative expression becomes a form of belonging. It says: 'You matter. Your story matters.' It’s also a way for communities to engage each other beyond stereotypes."

Another impactful project in Amman is 'Young Female Activists for Intercultural Dialogue', founded by SwIdeas AB and the East and West Centre for Sustainable Development (WEE Centre). This initiative highlights the role of culture in promoting democracy, freedom of expression, and women’s rights. From your perspective, how can cultural initiatives like this empower young women in Jordan and contribute to a more inclusive society?

Liyan: "I believe culture is the most organic entry point to power. When young women engage in cultural dialogue, they don’t just consume narratives, they begin to author them. Projects like these are transformative because they equip young women with voice, visibility, and networks. They encourage critical thinking and civic agency, which are crucial for democracy and inclusion. These initiatives cultivate not only future artists, but future leaders."

Participants in a tailoring class are seen at the UN Women Oasis Centre in Ajloun, Jordan. Image by UN Women/Bashar Al-Jabari.

As a Cultural Advisor to the Jordanian Minister of Culture in Jordan, what cultural initiative or reform would you love to see implemented that could have a lasting impact on the society?

Liyan: "I would love to see the institutionalization of a Creative and Cultural Industries Commission alongside a National Cultural Fund, two pillars that could transform the future of culture in Jordan. The commission would lead on policy, regulation, and cross-sector collaboration, while the fund would provide direct support to grassroots creatives, heritage preservation efforts, and digital innovation in the sector. Culture cannot thrive on passion alone, it needs infrastructure, sustainable financing, transparent grants, and mentorship pathways for emerging talent. Together, these structures would nurture long-term creative ecosystems and democratize access to cultural production across all governorates, ensuring no voice or region is left behind."

Finally, what advice would you give to young cultural leaders and activists who aspire to use art and culture as a tool for social change in Jordan?

Liyan: "Start where you are, with what you have. Your story, your context, your language, they are enough. Don’t wait for institutions to validate your vision. Build your own table, invite others to do it, and stay rooted in your values. Culture is not only about preservation, it’s about creation. Be fearless in shaping the future you want to live in. And remember, impact isn’t always loud, sometimes, the most radical change starts quietly, with a conversation, a mural, or a poem”.

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Liyan Safi's insights on why culture is critical infrastructure for Jordan's future illuminate the profound potential of culture. But how do we translate this vision into tangible action in our own communities?

That's exactly what we'll be exploring at the Fayetteville Arkansas Music Cities Convention, September 16–18, 2025.

Join us alongside leaders like Liyan Safi and hundreds of dedicated changemakers from across the globe. Together, we'll dive deep into strategies for harnessing music and culture to shape inclusive policy, drive equitable urban development, and foster lasting social change.

Ready to turn inspiration into impact?

🎟️ Get your tickets at: musiccitiesevents.com/fayetteville-mcc-2025

Let’s collaborate to build cities where culture isn’t just valued, it’s foundational.