Saleh Barakat, Randa Sadaka, Myriam Shuman, and Kalim Bechara, organizers of Beirut Art Days. (Credit: OLJ)
BEIRUT — The first installation of Beirut Art Days will offer four days of free access to over 130 art and cultural events this July, highlighting Beirut and Lebanon's pivotal role in the regional artistic scene and proving that despite five years of crisis, culture and art remain unifying forces.
“From July 3 to 6, 2024, our country will pulse with art and culture,” said Myriam Shuman, director of Agenda Culturel, during the announcement. Over 70 participants will offer over 130 events nationwide, despite the country enduring eight months of near-daily Israeli bombardment along its southern border, as well as periodic strikes in Bekaa and a January targeting of the southern suburbs of Beirut
“They have eagerly designed unique programs to celebrate this event. Beirut will always be a city of beauty and creativity, with art as our greatest asset,” she continued.
Agenda Culturel, a Lebanese lifestyle magazine, in collaboration with the Beirut Art Days Committee and several figures in the Lebanese art scene, organized this event to “highlight Lebanon’s vibrant cultural scene,” according to a statement from art curators Kalim Bechara and Randa Sadaka.
“Lebanon has always been a cultural reference in the region and will remain the beacon of the Levant in terms of art, beauty, and creativity,” Bechara added.
Galleries, museums, theaters and cultural venues will host various experiences, including performances, screenings, private collection viewings, concerts, poetry evenings and more.
Despite the ongoing crises, cultural venues have demonstrated notable resilience, hosting almost 2,000 events annually in recent years.
“Beirut Art Days will offer art lovers, collectors, professionals, citizens, tourists and expatriates the chance to explore Beirut and Lebanese art from a new perspective,” said gallery owner Saleh Barakat.
The complete program for Beirut Art Days is available here.
This article was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.
