In this episode, we host Reem Allam, the new Associate Director of Artistic Planning at the Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi and former executive manager and artistic programmer of the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival in Egypt. Reem passionately advocates for the transformative potential of festivals in fostering collective consciousness, cultural shifts, and economic growth and firmly believes in the role of the arts and creativity as political instruments to safeOnguard artists' freedom of expression. Furthermore, Reem discusses the challenges and dynamics of the arts sector in Egypt, particularly the lack of local support structures. Finally, she touches on her new role at NYU Abu Dhabi and how she aims to leverage the larger resources there to continue supporting and connecting the artistic community.