Dr. Alia Rayyan

Scholar | Curator | Lecturer | Author

Alia Rayyan is a researcher, curator, writer, and lecturer working at the intersection of public space, artistic research, curatorial practice, and transdisciplinary knowledge production. Her work focuses on decolonial reflective methodologies, collaborative learning processes, and the relationship between theory, pedagogy, and public practice.

Since 2023, she has been a researcher and lecturer at the Chair of Theory and Practice of Curating at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Prior to this, she worked internationally across cultural, academic, and artistic contexts in Berlin, Beirut, Ramallah, Amman, New York, and London, collaborating with institutions, cultural organisations, and independent initiatives. She is currently developing Amorphous Public, an emerging transdisciplinary research initiative exploring decolonial reflective practices between public space, pedagogy, artistic research, and collaborative forms of knowledge production.

RESEARCH & TEACHING AREAS

  • Decolonial and reflexive methodologies

  • Public space and artistic interventions

  • Curatorial pedagogy and collaborative learning

  • Artistic research and socially engaged art practice

  • Migration and plural publics

  • Inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge production

  • Institutional reflection and cultural mediation

  • Public humanities and critical pedagogy

  • Interdisciplinary expert in curatorial practice, urban research, and the critical reflection of public spaces. Extensive experience in connecting theory, practice, and mediation in international and institutional contexts. Key areas of focus include urban development, public space, inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge production, as well as exhibition and mediation formats.

  • Since 2023: Researcher at the Chair of Theory and Practice of Curating, Helmholtz Centre for Cultural Techniques, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Responsibilities include teaching formats, feedback culture, professional development programs for lecturers, and curatorial collaboration on the thematic year “Family Matters” (2025/2026).

  • 2020–2022: Dr. phil. in Cultural Studies, IPK, Leuphana University Lüneburg

    (Thesis: Curatorial Practice in Non-Western Public Space, summa cum laude)

    2020: ProScience research grant for early-career researchers

    2016–2019: Doctoral researcher, Graduate School Cultures of Critique, Leuphana University

    1998–2001: M.A. in Political Science, Art History, Sociology, University of Hamburg

    1996–1997: Middle East Politics and Development Studies, SOAS London

  • 2019 – 2021: Initiator & Curator, Digital Art Academy, Goethe-Institut

    2019: Curator & Organizer, International Symposium “The Unforeseen”, HKW Berlin /

    Leuphana University

    2013 – 2016: Managing Director, Art Organization Al Hoash, Jerusalem

    2011: Consultant, UNESCO (Audiovisual Archives)

    2010: Consultant, Heinrich Böll Foundation, Berlin (Mega Cities Project)

    2006 – 2009: Program Director Media Freedom & Democracy, HBS Middle East Office

    2003 – 2005: Senior Editor & PR Manager, Bidoun Art Magazine

    2002 – 2006: Project Manager, West-Eastern Divan, Goethe-Institut / Berliner Festspiele

  • 2023–2026: Cluster Program & Exhibition “Family Matters”, Humboldt Forum Berlin

    2016: Reviewing Jerusalem: The Return, Art Walk &Community Engagement

    2016: Memory Flows Like the Tide at Dusk, Museum for Contemporary Art, Roskilde

    2016: Intermolecular Spaces, Kunsthal Nord, Aalborg

    2015: Reviewing Jerusalem, Art Walk & Community Engagement

    2014: Imagery – Beyond Oblivion and Remembering

  • 2026: How Does the Museum Become a Space of Experience? Exhibition Practice and Transversal Learning, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

    2025: Censorship and the Public, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

    2024/2023: Activating Public Space, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

    2022: Collaborative Research Practice, Leuphana University Lüneburg

    2019/2020: The Open Exhibition pace: Participation and/or Mediation? (co-taught with Beate Söntgen), Leuphana University Lüneburg

    2019: Art as Social Practice, Leuphana University Lüneburg

  • 2025: Socially Engaged Art Practice in Jerusalem: A Critical Reflection on Public Space Art Engagement (book chapter)

    2024: Decolonizing Socially Engaged Art Practice in East Jerusalem – A Critical Reflection in Non-Western Context (dissertation)

    2023: Praxis der Risse. Rethinking Participatory Art Practice in Jerusalem

    2016: Power and Space. On Urban Interventions in East Jerusalem

  • German (native) · English (C1) · Arabic (Fusha & dialect)

Videos