Beiruting News

Under the patronage of the Minister of Culture, Mr. Raymond Araigi, GAIA-heritage launched a week-long event of cultural and creative activities in Mar Mikhael, as part of the EU-funded MEDNETA Project, to regenerate neighbourhoods and reinforce creativity. Representatives from Embassies, the European Union and the United Nations, Mediterranean partners to the project, the Municipality of Beirut and other Lebanese officials were present at the launching ceremony.

"Our main focus is to support the development of the creative economy and raise awareness on the risks and needs of the neighbourhood by urging decision makers to enforce urban regulations," said Georges Zouain, Principal of GAIA-Heritage "We want to contribute to reinforcing the ties between all those living and working in Mar Mikhael while providing each with the necessary services and rights to reach a balanced growth."

Mar Mikhael is a neighbourhood that is changing while its inhabitants continue to enjoy its traditional characteristics. Young artists, craftsmen and designers have located their trades in former garages, which has contributed to Mar Mikhael's appeal but has also attracted real estate development and nightlife, putting Mar Mikhael's atmosphere under threat.

"Following the 2014 July exhibition at the 'Grande Brasserie du Levant', we have called Mar Mikhael's creatives and residents to a number of activities divided into urban-related events such as talks, tours and exhibitions", explained Elisabetta Pietrostefani, Project Coordinator at GAIA-Heritage. "The activities will run from 16^th to 24^th January, and will happen at different times for all to enjoy."

Urban Talks and Tours on the 17^th - 18^th January will enable the visitors to discover Mar Mikhael's uniqueness as well as its needs and the risks it faces. These will mainly address the neighbourhood's lack of public space and its rising rental prices.

"Toolbox: a series of workshops for artists, craftsmen and designers, will take place on the 22^nd, 23^rd & 24^th of January. It will expose creators to new technologies and innovative techniques; provide them with the needed business, entrepreneurial, and marketing skills and facilitate collaboration and joint work between artists, craftsmen and designers. After the first two days of training, they will spend a day collaborating to create products and their respective business plans that will be presented to a jury," elaborated Zouain.

Two Exhibitions will be taking place. Behind the Object will be exhibiting the different creative processes of artists, craftsmen and designers of the neighbourhood. An Exhibition of Students' Architecture Projects will run from 17^th to 20^th January where Lebanese architecture schools are taking part in the event by exhibiting on-going and past architectural and urban projects that have studied Mar Mikhael and that have addressed the neighborhood's challenges and opportunities.