Idioma: English (mozilla)
Haven for Artists is a feminist cultural organization (NGO) based in Beirut, Lebanon, working at the intersection of art and activism since 2011.
A revolution, a failed state, a pandemic and a blast. The past 2 years were times of communal loss, times that made us rethink our identity, our belief systems, our strategies, and the future as a whole, times that forced us to adapt urgently to the constantly evolving situation.
Due to COVID-19, we have been forced to develop digital alternatives. We had to re-think our means of actions and of connection to each other in the digital sphere. The financial and political instability created a need for a necessary affirmation of our roots, mission and goals. We produced the film "Courage” which tackles identity, freedom, and queer being from the point of view of Arab queers. We organized protests and marches against GBV and sexual harassment in Beirut. We launched advocacy and awareness campaigns. Following the Beirut Port Blast, Haven transformed itself to respond to the emergency. We turned our offices into a shelter, and raised funds that were distributed in cash through multiple ways to the queer and women communities.
Whether it’s digital or physical, we always adapt to keep on offering a safe collaborative space, for artists, activists, and creators to work and produce the art that will always stand as the best witness of time and an active tool for change.
Through this session, we’d like to have an open discussion about how grassroot organizations practically adapt on the ground to emergencies. Our past 2 years in Beirut, mostly since 2019, were years of constant adaptation, from the financial and political crisis, to the Revolution, the Beirut Port Blast, and the COVID-19 pandemic. From our own experience as Haven for Artists, we could discuss ways of adapting, and any issue related to this topic.
¿Por qué has elegido ese espacio? ¿Cómo se ajusta tu sesión a la descripción del espacio?:n/a
¿Cómo vas a hacer frente si varía el número de participantes en tu sesión? ¿Y si asisten 30 participantes? ¿Y si son 3?:In all cases, we will start by introducing the context of the past two years, and explain briefly how we have been adapting through some major projects. The number of participants will affect the possibility for attendees to ask questions and interact together. If there are only a few participants, we will probably spend more time on Haven’s experience. If there are more participants, we might have more time to elaborate on other adaptation’s examples and might generate some lessons learned from it.
¿Qué pasará después del MozFest? Esperamos que muchos esfuerzos y discusiones continúen después de MozFest. Comparte cualquier idea que tengas sobre cómo continuar el trabajo de tu sesión.:We’d be happy to create any long-lasting collaboration. We are opening on February 19th, a new cultural community center in Beirut, and we’d be happy to welcome any artist, or activist that would be interested in visiting or hosting any event.
¿En qué idioma te gustaría realizar tu sesión?:English