About Stichting Sela
Stichting Sela is based in the Netherlands and builds bridges between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We promote fair representation and support the development of art, culture, media, and education.
Stichting Sela manages the online platform cmena.nl and organizes festivals, workshops, and cultural programs. In addition, we develop and produce media projects and social initiatives focused on education, culture, nature, and sustainability.
A central part of our mission is to create opportunities and long-term perspectives for refugees and migrants in Europe and the MENA region.
Stichting Sela collaborates with national and international partners and operates on a non-profit basis.
Stichting Sela believes in the power of art, culture, and media as drivers of connection, awareness, and positive social change. We see culture as a vital space where stories are shared, identities evolve, and communities meet.
Our vision is an inclusive society in which refugees, migrants, and communities from the MENA region fully participate in cultural and public life in Europe, where diversity is recognized as a strength.
We aim to contribute to a just and inclusive society in which culture serves as a bridge between communities, and where refugees and migrants gain visibility, opportunity, and equal participation
From Damascus to The Hague (VDND)
From Damascus to The Hague (VDND) is a multi-day cultural program where art, film, music, and dialogue come together to reflect on Syria’s present and future.
Program
March 6
A three-day workshop begins with Syrian, Kurdish, and Arab artists. Together, they will develop a collective installation centered on the theme of transitional justice, inspired by group conversations, poetry, and short films.
March 7
We present a program of short films by Syrian filmmakers based in the Netherlands and Belgium, followed by a conversation with the filmmakers.
March 8
We celebrate the public presentation of the collective artwork with a festive opening featuring live music and poetry.
March 21
Ibrahim Keivo will perform a live concert, bringing together traditional and contemporary Syrian sounds.
March 22
The program concludes with a public discussion on transitional justice in Syria, where artists, thinkers, and audience members reflect together on memory, justice, and the possibilities of a shared future.
News
“From Damascus to The Hague” Cultural Event Launches in the Netherlands
The Hague – The cultural and artistic event “From[…]
From Damascus to The Hague at Filmhuis Den Haag
March 7, 202614:00 hrs Filmhuis Den Haag This film programme[…]
Concert: Ibrahim Keivo (Syria / Germany)
Saturday, 21 March 2026, 8:00 PMDeutsche Evangelische Gemeinde im[…]
Objective
Stichting Sela aims to promote art, culture, and social engagement, with a particular focus on communities connected to the MENA region.
The foundation is committed to strengthening cultural dialogue, inclusion, and mutual understanding. Through art, media, and educational initiatives, Stichting Sela contributes to a just and inclusive society in which refugees and migrants can fully participate in cultural and public life.
Bernardina Palm: Chair
Rosh Abdelfatah: Secretary
Juan Esteban Heinsohn Huala: Treasurer
Stichting Sela – Governance & Public Information
Legal Information
Official name: Stichting Sela
RSIN: 865277163
Chamber of Commerce (KvK): 90321804
Legal form: Foundation
Statutory seat: Rotterdam
Date of incorporation: 25 May 2023
Visiting address:
Stichting Sela operates on a non-profit basis and collaborates with national and international partners.
