LINA ATTEL

Email: lina.attel@ncca.org.jo
  linatal56@gmail.com 
Mobile: +962 777 460 146 

•	Founder & Director General, National Center for Culture & Arts (NCCA), King Hussein Foundation since 1987

•	Director, Annual International Arab Youth Congress since 1994

•	Secretary General, International Theatre Institute (ITI), UNESCO Jordan chapter, since  2009

•	President, International Association of Theater for Children & Young People (ASSITEJ), Jordan since 2004

•	Lecturer on Drama in Education Various community colleges & University of Jordan 1998 - 2004

•	Theatre and Drama in Education Specialist, Jordan Ministry of Education 1985-87

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT 

ARTS & CULTURAL PROGRAM • STRATEGIC EXTERNAL RELATIONS • OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT 

Profile

An accomplished senior executive with the vision and insights to strategically plan, direct and control organizational operations to capitalize on global and regional opportunities. Proven track record of successful varied cultural and arts program management, tenders and grants bidding, strategic external relations and operations. Expertise in providing breakthrough leadership to achieve and develop strategies, build network to support growth and implement complex multi-stakeholder agenda and drive organizational performance.  Extensive experience with high-level decision makers of cultural institutes, acclaimed arts programs and organizations as well as diplomatic and ministerial stakeholders throughout Middle East and North Africa and other partners in America, Europe and Asia.  

Value Propositions  

•	High-profile executive who continuously succeeds in establishing meaningful and world-class arts and cultural programs and productions from inception to fruition 

•	Savvy media personality vastly experienced in delivering strong and masterful interviews, speeches and other media activities 

•	Track record for developing and implementing organizational and management strategies 

•	Strong leader who contributes bilingual advantages to leveraging relationships with varied strategic stakeholders 

•	Skilled negotiator for complex agreements by easily navigating through diverse cultural environments and securing beneficial contracts. 

•	Setting up systems and mechanisms for effective internal and external communications and knowledge management

•	Charismatic and resource mobilizer through expanded networks of artists, educators, management and program consultants and connection to various sector leaders in arts, governments, private sector, media and academia 

EXECUTIVE PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS  

Strategic External Relations: High profiled national and regional consultant and thought leader for policies, media impact, UN agencies’ documents for arts and culture and various other initiatives and programs 

•	   Worked with the Media department of the Hashemite Royal Court on the status and challenges facing culture & performing arts in Jordan and presented the findings of the research to His Majesty King Abdullah II and cultural leaders in Jordan, 2007
•	  Worked with His Majesty King Abdullah's initiative in establishing the Independent National Fund for Culture & Arts, and the establishment of Daret King Abdullah II for Culture & Arts, designed by the late internationally acclaimed architect Zaha Hadeed, 2007
•	  Under the direction of the Jordanian Prime Ministry, participated in drafting the Cultural section for the National Agenda of Jordan, 2006.
•	  Commissioned by UNESCO and submitted a research paper on the Status of Performing Arts in the Arab World, presented at a regional conference organized by UNESCO in Amman, Jordan, 2001
•	   Selected by BBC World Service to present a personal essay in Amman, Jordan on the impact of World War 1 under a series of talks "The War That Changed the World ... Redrawing the Map". It was delivered around the world with live audience in selected locations connected with World War 1, broadcasted internationally by the BBC on World Service and Radio 3, 2015

Grants Bidding and Winning: Successful administration of national, regional and international grants from various global partners, contributors and donors for repeated and long-term continued appointments including but not limited to
•	Since inception of NCCA, fundraised almost 30 million USD in funding with a budget of 3 million USD per annum to run an organisation with 35 employees and outsourcing 300 project-based service providers.
•	Secured initial and repeat funding from multiple donors and organisations for local and regional projects such as UNICEF, USAID, EU, British Council, Norwegian Embassy, Goethe Institute, Oxfam, UNFPA, John F Kennedy Centre, EuroMedinCulture(s) Network, and Family Development Foundation, Abu Dhabi. 
o	UNICEF: Managed and implemented community-development and service program entitled “One Step at a Time” for young people in Jordan schools through art, culture and technology
o	Norwegian Embassy:  Multi-year and repeat campaign for the mobilizing of women in the workforce through research, theatre and TV productions and training workshops. 
•	Led the organizational funding direction from being donor-focused to demand-driven 
•	In depth understanding of the region’s programmatic funding landscape for arts and culture and relevant linkages 

Arts & Cultural Program Management: Creating and managing award winning and ground-breaking productions in the region and abroad, fostering inter-regional and global artistic collaborations, initiating and bringing in various arts and culture festivals 
•	  Established in 1989 the first professional National Interactive Theater Troupe (NITT) in Jordan which produces musicals and issue based plays dealing with contemporary social issues focusing on audience participation, utilizing a combination of Theater-In-Education methodology and Forum Theater Technique. NITT tours extensively in Jordan reaching 65,000 audiences annually.  NITT participates in local, regional and international festivals.
•	  Established the first professional Ballet School in 1998 which was accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance-London. The school provides professional training in Contemporary Dance, Hip Hop and Folklore dance. 2000 students graduated.
•	  In 2009 initiated the annual Amman Contemporary Dance Festival, hosting cutting edge international dance companies. 
•	  Co-produced and co-directed in cooperation with The John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, the musical play "Walking the Winds ... Arabian Tales". The play was performed in English by Equity American actors and premiered at the Kennedy Centre in 2006, reaching an international audience of 10,000 people.  
•	  Under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II, produced and directed in 2009, “Petra Rocks", a musical that tells the story of Arab Nabateans who built Petra, highlighting their lifestyles, values and distinguished culture, in cooperation with the Hashemite Royal Court and the Ministry of Tourism. Cast included 80 performers from Jordan and Syria and 200 crew members and management team. 
•	  Produced, managed and marketed "Opera Abu Hassan" by Carl Maria Von Weber in 2006, in co-operation with French Embassy with 38 performers from France, Lebanon, Moldavia and Jordan. The opera included 30 orchestra members and 200 crew and management team.
•	  Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, organized and hosted Middle East's first ASSITEJ International Theater Festival for Children & Young People, 2006. Hosted theatre companies from Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.
•	  Commissioned and hosted in cooperation with the private sector, the internationally acclaimed Igor Moiseyev Ballet- Academic Ensemble of Popular Dance – Russia (80 dancers) 2012 and 2014
•	  Dance exchange production entitled: “One to One” in collaboration with Danish Institute for Culture and Development, performed at the Danish Opera House 2008
•	  Contemporary dance performance entitled: “Fusion” produced in collaboration with professional dancers and choreographers from Finland and Jordan in February 2005
•	  Conceived and directed “Ode to My Country” a multimedia musical spectacle, depicting the origins of Culture and Arts movement in Jordan across 100 years. Presented at the opening ceremony of the 35th International Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, September 2021

Championing Theatre and Drama through Education: Spearheading the region’s children’s and young people’s skills and holistic development utilizing the performing arts
•	Established in 1997 the first professional Theater Arts Training Program for Children & Youth   accredited by The Ministry of Education in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts in Washington DC.
•	Under the Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein, organized and hosted Jordan's first International Conference on Theater for Social Development, "People in Movement" - in cooperation with International Center for Theater In Education and British Council. attended by specialists from 23 countries and hosted 6 performances from UK, Bosnia, Serbia, Vietnam, Egypt and Jordan, 2000
•	Produced in 2008 Theater Arts Curricula for the Ministry of Education public schools grade 1-10 reaching to millions of students nationally.
•	Designed in 2002 for the Ministry of Higher Education- University of Jordan, the Theater Arts Curriculum for the establishment of the Arts & Design College.
•	Produced in 1999, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the first training manual for elementary school teachers on “The Use of Drama-in-Education as a teaching method in the classroom for Grades 1-4". 

Advancing Young People’s Civic Engagement: Organizing, contributing to and galvanizing the region’s young people’s interaction with their environments, communities and social development issues through inspirations in arts and culture 
•	Manages and produces the annual International Arab Youth Congress (IAYC) since 1994 – initiated by Her Majesty Queen Noor Al Hussein – the longest running uninterrupted youth forum in the region, engaging 300 young people aged 13 – 17 through arts, drama and music workshops, dialogues and team building sessions. The congress has hosted celebrity ambassadors supporting young people’s issues including Angelina Jolie, Ricky Martin, Kathem El Saher, Mohamed Assaf, and many others. Since it started, the congress has engaged with more than 6,000 young people in the region and globally. 
•	Under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak the IAYC was hosted by the Family Development Foundation in Abu Dhabi in 2011.
•	In 2013 the NCCA was appointed by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to act as Global Centre of Excellence on Theater Based Techniques Training; Accredited by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) - UNESCO. In 2015 NCCA became the Y-PEER International Center for Youth Development – a centre that organizes multiple theatre based trainings, talks and forums in the region for health and education, leadership, civic engagement and humanitarian assistance.   
•	Established the Arts for All program in public parks and libraries with the Greater Amman Municipality, 2008.

CONFERENCES & PAPERS 

•	Wilton Park conference: Gender Dynamics in Violent Extremism, West Sussex, UK 2018. Facilitate the discussion group on how using theatre & arts to promote gender equality and preventing violent extremism.
•	Mellon Arts Fellowship workshop, Hunter College - USA, 2018. Key speaker on Understanding the Structure of an Arts Organization.
•	International Forum - Creating Community, Munich, 2016. Artistic & Cultural Education - Migration - Participation. Presented a   paper on Cultural & Artistic Projects for Syrian Refugees in Jordan. Participated as panelist on international cooperation

•	FEMART Human Rights Festival, Kosovo, 2016. Key speaker on the Status of Women in the Performing Arts in the Middle East

•	Arab Harvard Weekend Conference, 2014. Panelist on Performing Arts as a Business in the Middle East.

•	TACT Fest Symposium, Osaka, 2013. Key speaker - What can theater do for children & young people? 

•	The 7th Women's Conference for Peace in the Middle East, Cyprus, 2013. Presented a paper in Women's Role in Building a    Culture of Peace. Sponsored by Women's Federation for World Peace, Japan

•	International Festival for Young Audiences, Okinawa, 2007. Key speaker & presented the play "Rising to the Pits"

•	International Festival for Young Audience, Okinawa, 2006. Key speaker on Children's Theater in War

•	EUROMEDINCULTURE(s) Network 3rd Art Forum, Toulon-France, 2013. Speaker on The Role of Performing Arts in Social    Development and presented the play "Rising to the Pits"

•	EUROMEDINCULTURE(s) Network 2nd Art Form, Amman-Jordan, 2012. Organizer and Speaker in the Key-Note Address.

•	Foundation Meeting of the Higher Committee for Abu Dhabi Theater / Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi, 2010. Presented a   paper on The Formation of National Interactive Theater Troupe for Abu Dhabi and Theater Arts Training Programs

•	Women in Theater - The Contemporary Arab Experience & Way to the Future, conference by Arab Theater Association, Amman,   2011. Panelist on Capacity Building for Women in Theater.

•	National Conference on the Cultural Industry in Jordan by Jordan's Ministry of Culture, 2004. Presented a paper on The Status of Theater, Music and Dance in Jordan and Recommendations for Improvements

•	Arab Children's Theater Literature: Challenges & Aspirations, Palace of Culture, Sharjah-UAE, 2010. Presented a paper on    Interactive Theater Methodology and Practice

•	Culture & Arts for Children & Youth Conference, Amman, 2002. Organized by Greater Amman Municipality on the occasion of   Amman Cultural Capital. Presented a paper on Cultural Policies to Enhance the Theater Movement

•	Published article "When Arts Speak Out Against Violence" in World Of Theater, 13th Edition - The International Theater Institute   (ITI) UNESCO, 2016. Co-authored with Sawsan Darwazeh.

•	Published article "Description of Jordanian Theater from 2008 - 2010" in World of Theater, 10th Edition - The International    Theater Institute (ITI) UNESCO, 2010. Co-authored with Sawsan Darwazeh. Published article for magazine Wochi Kochi, Japan   Foundation, 2007

•	Research paper on The Utilization of Theater in Education for Social Development Changes, Experiences and Future Trends: International and Regional Experiences with the Implementation of Children's Strategies and Programs, and the Role of Local   Governments and NGOs

•	Contributed a chapter in the book "Learning Through Theater" The Changing Face of Theater in Education, 3rd edition. Edited   by Anthony Jackson and Chris Vine, 2014

•	Sarab - A Creative Convening, Forum of Cultural Leaders Within the Arab World and Beyond, NYU Abu Dhabi, 2015. Panelist on   Engaging Communities in Performing Arts Programs.

EDUCATION

1985		MA Theatre in Education, University of South Wales, Cardiff, UK

1984		Teaching Certificate: Training Course on Drama in Education, Bretten Hall - CHE, 
		Britain 

1983		BA Business Administration and English Literature (Honours), Yarmouk University, 
		Jordan 

1980 		Acting Certificate, Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, London

ARTISTIC CORE COMPETENCIES  
Certified Master Trainer and Instructor • Acting • Directing • Voice & Speech • Art of Public Speaking • Creative Conflict Resolution Skills • Drama in Education • Theater in Education • Communication Skills • Cultural Management • Interactive Theater 

BOARD OF MEMBERSHIP SERVICES 
•	Member of the Executive Council of the International Theatre Institution (ITI) – UNESCO, 2023 
•	Mentor of the Festival Academy – Atelier for Arts and Production Managers, European Union, Since 2020
•	Member of the National Committee for Devising the General Frame of Arts Curriculum, The National Centre for Curriculum Development, 2020 
•	Member of the Advisory Committee to develop a National Curriculum Strategy for the implementation of extra-curricular activities in public schools - Ministry of Education 2018 and a member of the writers committee to devise an activities manual for teachers in public schools. 
•	Member of the national Steering Committee for the evaluation of the Ministry of Culture’s programs 2018  
•	Members of the Governing Board of the International Foundation for Y-PEER Development (IFYD), Bulgaria, 2017
•	Regional Jury Member - International Liberal Theater Festival, 2016 
•	Member, Higher Committee - Ministry of Culture Performing Arts Youth Festivals, 2016
•	International Jury Member - Cairo International Children Film Festival, 2015 
•	Member - League of Professional Theater Women, New York since 2012 
•	The Higher Scientific Committee - Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children's Literature, since 2012 
•	Member, Higher Committee - Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak International Award for Arab Youth, Abu Dhabi since 2011 
•	Member, Higher Committee - Abu Dhabi Theater, Emirates Heritage Club, 2010 
•	Member - Board of Trustees for Jordan Museum, 2009 - 2014 
•	President, Board of Directors - Arab Alliance for Women in Music, since 2009 
•	Member - Higher Committee for the development of the annual International Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts 2008 
•	Member - Advisory Committee of Experts for UNESCO World Report on Cultural Diversity, 2008 
•	Member - City Council of the Greater Amman Municipality, & Head, Cultural Committee, 2007 -2011 
•	Member – Amman/Chicago Sister Cities Committee, Greater Amman Municipality, since 2007 
•	Member - Board of Trustees for King Abdullah II Award for Entrepreneurship in Private Business, since 2005 
•	Member - Board of Trustees, Elia Nuqul Education Foundation, 2008 - 2015 
•	Member - Arab League Arts Selection Committee, Frankfurt International Book Fair, 2004 
•	Member - Higher Committee - Establishment of the College of Arts & Design, University of Jordan, 2000 
•	Member - Higher Committee, Ministry of Culture Theatre Festivals, since 2000 
•	Member - Advisory Committee for The Hague Appeal for Peace - Global Campaign for Peace Education, New York, 2000 
•	Member - International Center for Theater in Education, Britain, since 1990 
•	Board Member - Big Drum Theater in Education Company, Britain, since 1995 
•	Member - Board of Directors of Employment and Development Fund, Jordanian Government, 1995 - 1999 
•	Member - Board of Directors, Jordan University Model School, 2000 - 2002 
•	Member - Board of Directors, Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, 2002 - 2006 
•	Jury Member - Roya TV Jordan Star Competition, 2013 - 2015 
•	Jury Member - Ministry of Culture's Annual Theater Festivals, since 1999

AWARDS 
•	Distinguished Achievement in Performing Arts, Yarmouk University Alumni Club, 2014 
•	Outstanding Performance & Contribution to Tourism Jordan Award by Jordan Tourism Board, for the Musical "Petra Rocks", 2009 The Ministry of Culture 
•	Al Hussein Medal of Distinction in the First Order, awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Performing Arts, 2000
•	International Prize Grozdanin Kikot, from the Center for Drama Education, Mostar Theater, Bosnia & Herzegovina -Contribution to the Development of Drama Education, 2000 
•	Silver Award for Musical "Madinat Assawsana", from Cairo International Television & Radio Festival, 1997 Award for Unique Outstanding Services to Arab Children, by Higher Council for Children, UAE, 1997 
•	Recognition of Outstanding Achievements in Performing Arts, from Greater Amman Municipality, 1997 Best Children's Program in the Region, for "Al-Manhel" - educational children's TV program Recognition of Outstanding Performance in "Crescent Night", from International Children's Festival at Wolf Trap, Washington 
•	Outstanding Theater Productions for Children & Young People, from Ministry of Culture, 1992 
•	Nominated with 19 women from around the world for the 2017 Gilder/Coigney International Theatre Award, organized by League of Professional Theatre Women (LPTW), New York