Culture · Connection · Impact

Reemريم قاسمKassem

PhDHybrid Cultural Engagement in the Context of Crisis

International cultural leader, producer and researcher turning artistic experiences into spaces for meaning, belonging and transformation.

Abu Dhabi · Alexandria23+ years across culture and the arts
Dr. Reem Kassem

Rooted in memory. Building what lasts.

PhD · Head of Performing Arts · Founder of AGORA · Co-founder of Basita.live · Author

01

The story

The work has always begun with a simple belief: culture belongs to everyone.

I began my cultural career at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina at 17. Across more than two decades, my path has moved between theatres, public spaces, digital platforms, research settings and community rooms — but the question has remained constant: how can culture help people feel seen, connected and able to shape their own lives?

Today, I lead performing arts at Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation, while continuing the independent work I began in Alexandria through AGORA, Basita.live and the Creative Resilience Framework.

Read full biography
Dr. Reem Kassem speaking at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina podium
2003–2016

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Thirteen formative years, culminating in leading performing arts programming.

2011

AGORA begins

Founded amid Egypt's revolution, beginning with culture in public space.

2016–present

Abu Dhabi

Cultural diplomacy, strategic programming and international collaboration.

2019–2025

Doctoral research

A framework connecting creativity, participation and resilience.

2020

Basita.live begins

A hybrid cultural platform connecting artists and audiences beyond physical borders.

02

The practice

Ideas become real when people can enter them.

My practice moves across institutions, communities and digital space. Each initiative creates a different door into cultural participation.

01 / Cultural leadership

Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi

Leading strategic direction, programming and operations for the Cultural Foundation Theatre; developing year-round seasons, international partnerships, audience relationships and cultural exchange.

02 / Public space

AGORA for Arts & Culture

An Egypt-based organisation using arts, education and creative participation for social change, youth empowerment and cultural dialogue.

Visit AGORA

03 / Hybrid culture

Basita.live

A digital cultural platform connecting artists and audiences, extending the life of performances and creating new pathways for access and sustainability.

Explore Basita.live

04 / Creative ecosystem

Performing Arts Fellowship

A regional programme nurturing emerging artists through mentorship, exchange, collaboration and public presentation across the Middle East and North Africa.

Abstract artwork in blue, orange, red and black

Artwork: RK Creations

03

Research into practice

Creative Resilience

Resilience is not simply endurance. It is transformation.

Developed through my PhD, the Creative Resilience Framework is a hybrid, arts-based approach for individuals and communities living through uncertainty. It brings together creative expression, relational support, meaning-making and hybrid engagement.

01Recovery
02Sustainability
03Growth
“Creativity is the tool. Community is the container. Growth is the outcome.”
04

Forthcoming book

The Four Seasons

A Journey Back to Ourselves

A personal and professional journey through the seasons that shaped me — and the return to our innate human nature, our Fitra.

Seasonal artwork created collaboratively by Dr. Reem Kassem and her son Haroun — a shared reflection on Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

Cover of The Four Seasons: A Journey Back to Ourselves by Reem Kassem
Forthcoming · Dr. Reem Kassem
Abstract summer artwork in vivid coral, pink, orange and burgundy
01

Summer

Connection

Abstract autumn artwork in teal, warm brown and magenta
02

Autumn

Meaning

Abstract winter artwork in soft grey, forest green and rust
03

Winter

Resilience

Abstract spring artwork in sage, gold, coral and deep teal
04

Spring

Awakening

05

Reem's Window

Cultural Programming with Impact.

A seven-part signature series on cultural leadership, participation, connection and the human need to express.

VII

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part VII

From Bint Kassem to Ibn Khaldun: Remembering What We Already Knew

VI

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part VI

Humanity’s Oldest Mechanism for Connection

V

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part V

The Human Need to Express

IV

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part IV

Where Participation Becomes Transformation

III

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part III

The Space Between Audience and Experience

II

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part II

Leaving a Trace

I

Cultural Programming with Impact · Part I

Beyond Personal Taste

All article images draw from my own photographic archive of cultural engagement moments.

Explore all writing & photography
06

Scholarship & recognition

Recognition, scholarship & public conversations.

Awards, academic participation, publications and media conversations growing from more than two decades of cultural practice.

Honours

  • Public Engagement with Impact Award — University of the West of Scotland
  • 50 Most Inspirational Women in Egypt
  • 100 Exceptional Women in Arts & Culture
  • Women of Impact Award
  • Pioneers of Egypt Award — Synergos Institute
  • Social Innovation in Employment Award — Nahdet El Mahrousa & Barclays Bank
  • Euro-Med Award for Dialogue Between Cultures — Anna Lindh Foundation

Fellowships & networks

  • DeVos Institute of Arts Management
  • Clore Cultural Leadership / Chevening
  • International Society for Performing Arts
  • International Music Council — former Board Member
  • MusiConnect Asia Network

Explore the complete visual archive, including certificates, awards, press features, interviews and podcasts.

View recognition & media