Last week Beirut was hit by a devastating explosion that saw hundreds of people lose their lives and thousands of people lose their homes. Lebanon as a whole has been suffering for months, with Lebanese protesting against government corruption and suffering the effects of a failing economy since last October. Across the world dozens of initiatives have been set up to help the Lebanese people, with notable charitable organisations including the Lebanese Red Cross, Beit El Baraka and Impact Lebanon. But what can you do? Donating to charity is a great step, but you can also show your support through art. Here are 9 ways you can support Lebanon artistically!
Buy A Print From The For The Love Of Beirut Print Sale
Dubai-based Gulf Photo Plus have teamed up with Ruwa and another of other regional initiatives to host a print sale with 100% of net profits going to the Lebanese Red Cross. Artists include photographers from across the world, as well as local Lebanese photographers who have been capturing events on the ground like Tamara Abdul Hadi and Myriam Boulos.
Tune Into An Artist Run Livestream
Starting 6pm Beirut time on 12th August, artists, djs and other creatives from across the Arab region will be performing on Twitch to raise money for Beirut based charities. Amongst the events will be a screening of Cherien Dabis’s stunning film Amreeka and a reading from Alya Mooro’s book The Greater Freedom.
Get A Print From Uber Cool Artist Raphaelle Macaron
Lebanese artist Raphaelle Macaron is selling some of her prints with Kiss Kiss Bank Bank to benefit Impact Lebanon. Her art is super cool and super Lebanese. It will also look amazing in your home.
Purchase Art From Art Relief For Beirut
Art Relief For Beirut was set up in response to the situation on the ground in Beirut. Artists across the world are selling off their work to raise funds for Impact Lebanon and the Lebanese Red Cross. There was even a print from the Turner Prize Nominees!
Get An Arty Bag From Talar Nina
Armenian designer Talar Nina teamed up with local artists Lea Hadidian and Glittur Blurr to raise funds for Impact Lebanon and the Lebanese Food Bank. Lebanon is home to a huge Armenian community which was badly affected by the explosion.
Donate Directly To Lebanese Art Institutions
Many art spaces in Lebanon were completely destroyed. If you really want to do your thing for the Beiruti art ecosystem, you can do so by donating directly. The Arab Image Foundation has explicitly said they are accepting donations.
Commission An Artwork From Local Artists
Artists connected to Beirut are taking commissions in return for donation to Lebanese artists. Such artists include Rama Duwaiji and Nourie Flayhan.
Buy A Postcard From Art Queer Habibi
Art Queer Habibi is an initiative that supports the LGBTQ+ community in the Arab region. They are now selling these amazing postcards to direct funds to Impact Lebanon and LGBTQ+ communities in Lebanon.
Get This T-Shirt From Cold Cuts Magazine
This dreamy t-shirt from Cold Cuts Magazine (with illustration from shukubuku) is donating funds to the Children Cancer Center of Lebanon. We think you need it.
Text Lizzy Vartanian
