What’s the future for culture in Afghanistan?

The Cultural Frontline asks what’s the future for arts, media and culture in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Using their instruments for change. Sana Safi speaks to the musicians from the Afghanistan National Institute of Music about their fight to keep traditional Afghan music alive and their fears and hopes for musicians under a Taliban government.

Over 250 newspapers, radio and TV stations closed in the first 100 days of Taliban rule following the withdrawal of US troops in August, and the Afghan press watchdog NAI says around 70% of journalists have lost their jobs. Our reporter Sahar Zand speaks to Massood Sanjer, one of Afghanistan’s leading producers, about the future of Afghanistan’s media landscape.

#DoNotTouchMyClothes: We find out how Afghan women around the world used this hashtag to share photos of themselves in colourful traditional clothes in protest in response to pro-Taliban rally of women in Kabul - dressed all in black, full-veils, and long robes. Sana Safi speaks to Dr Bahar Jalil who posted the very first picture, and to Sabrina Spanta – once a refugee, and now a fashion designer in the USA, inspired by Afghan women, and who recently starred on TV fashion show Project Runway.

(Photo: A traditional Afghan rubab. Credit: Marcus Yam)