Arts in times of crisis

OUTLINE: Arts in Times of Crisis was organized to celebrate Cultural Innovators Network Day in Beirut on November 16th in 2014. It was essential, through this encounter, to question how we perceive the role of art during critical times within the political turmoil of the Arab Region.

Background: Lebanon is one of the three most affected countries by the Syrian War. We have around 1.5 million of Syrian Refugees in the country which is causing many internal conflicts whereby racism and hatred towards Syrians and among Shia and Sunnis is reaching its peaks in all the Lebanese regions. Most recently around 20 individuals from the Lebanese army have been kidnapped by Isis after an armed conflict inside one of the villages existing on the northern Lebanese Syrian borders. We are living in times of crisis whether on the regional political level or whether on the socio-political internal level. Within all that turmoil, lots of social and artistic initiatives are taking place mostly with refugees. In that context, it is important to question the role that innovation and creativity might or might not play during crisis situations.

Activities Description:
Activity 1: 10:30 am…1:30 pm
“Cultural Innovators Networking Slot: An Alternative Tomorrow”: This networking Slot is not only about gathering brochures and business cards. What we will be proposing through those 3 hours is simply a window of opportunities whereby a limited number of NGOs (maximum 15) will meet, communicate and intertwine together in order to reach the first practical step towards a concrete real collaboration. All that ought to happen through an interactive game lead by the facilitators. Facilitators: Orhan Ceka /Mona Merhi
Reception / Welcoming: 3:30 pm ……4:00 pm
Activity 2: 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Round table # 1: Performing Arts Productions in Times of Crisis (Theatre and Music) The Arab Region is indulging more and more into political struggles and religious fanaticism. How did the different times of crisis affect the perspectives, the practices, the language and the form of performing arts within the last 3 years in the MENA Region? To which extent should artists go towards social and political involvement through their art work? Speakers: Marie Elias, Pierre Abi Saab, Hala Nohra Moderator: Mona Merhi
Activity 3: 6:00 pm …7:30 pm
Round Table # 2: “ Art as a Tool for Community Change and Cultural Relief”: Whether working with Children, youth or adults, Art is becoming a prominent tool for raising social awareness towards many causes. Also used for Psycho-social support, Art nowadays becomes part of a larger component: “CULTURAL RELIEF”. During this round table the speakers will give an overview about the concept of cultural relief in addition to interesting Art engaged initiatives lead in the Arab Region and in Europe. Speakers: Abdullah Al kafri, Niccolo Milanese, Noha Nemer Moderator: Randa Challita
Activity 4: 7:30 pm …8:30 pm Musical Gig: it’s an improvisational Gig lead by musicians whereby traditional western instruments intertwine with traditional oriental rhythms. (Instruments: Bag Pipe, Tabla, Accordeon and Bouzouk).
Concept & Project Management by: Mona Merhi