Jordanian artists express their frustration over the neglect of local artists Artists’ statement: “Enough humiliation for the Jordanian artist… as if creativity were a crime”

Jordanian artists have expressed deep frustration over what they described as the decline of Jordanian drama and the neglect of local artists, calling for the rescue of the arts before it is “buried alive,” describing their stance as a “cry” to save national creativity.

In a statement shared with Roya TV, the artists emphasized that Jordanian artists should not be humiliated as if creativity were a crime, noting that “the artist is not merely a decoration in the news bulletin, nor an image stored in the Ministry of Culture archives, but is the memory, the identity, and the one who stood tall when all masks fell.”

They added, “Enough humiliation for the Jordanian artist, as if creativity were a crime, as if drama were a plague that must be quarantined.”

The statement, signed by prominent Jordanian artists including Zuhair Al-Noubani, Mohammad Al-Abadi, Hassan Abu Sha’ira, Mohammad Al-Awali, Mohammad Awad, Jamil Brahema, Ayed Alqam, Fawaz Al-Sabbagh, Amjad Al-Awamleh, and Sari Al-As’ad, was directed at decision-makers, funding bodies, and media platforms.

The artists warned, “Either you save the arts, or bear the responsibility for its death. Either you restore the status of Jordanian drama, or you write its burial certificate with your own hands.”

Message to the Government

Earlier, Jordanian artist Zuhair Al-Noubani addressed a message via his Facebook account to the Prime Minister, questioning why no successful Jordanian drama has been produced despite the past achievements of Jordanian television.

In his post, Al-Noubani wrote: “A message to the esteemed Prime Minister of Jordan, whom I respect and appreciate. Our national television has a budget of tens of millions, hundreds if not thousands of employees in various specialties, outstanding artistic talent, remarkable Jordanian stories and works, amazing filming locations, and a state that has surpassed a hundred years of existence.”

He continued: “Despite spending tens of millions on drama productions over the past thirty years, we are still unable to deliver a single successful drama that attracts Jordanian and Arab audiences, even though decades ago, Jordanian productions by private companies and national television achieved major artistic success across the Arab world and continue to be broadcast successfully.”

The artist concluded by asking, “Where is the fault? Who is responsible? Who benefits from this failure and for whose interest? A question awaiting answers from those who care. Let us meet in goodwill and love.”