The Association for the Promotion and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon (APEAL) is proud to announce the 2015 recipients of the APEAL/MGA Scholarship Award as an annual tribute to its late board member, Maria Geagea Arida, who left us too soon on June 23, 2015.
Raafat Majzoub and Jessica Khazrik have been granted this prestigious scholarship for their outstanding applications and acceptance into the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Master of Science in Art, Culture and Technology program. This unique and cutting edge trans-disciplinary selection of courses with a curriculum at the cross section of science and art has only admitted eight candidates worldwide, among them Majzoub and Khazrik.
"We are honoring the memory of Maria Geagea, who contributed much to the cause of young Lebanese artists, by bestowing two scholarships in her name and in her memory on behalf of APEAL to two extraordinary and promising individuals," said Rita Nammour, the president of APEAL.
"Raafat and Jessica's special perspective and contemporary approach to the point interaction of space, architecture, science and life will enlighten generations to come. Maria took part in meetings which screened their work and helped select them. I have no doubt she is smiling down on us, and her spirit will always be present" Nammour added.
Commenting on her selection, Khazrik said: "I find myself privileged because of the initiatives of a group of committed individuals, who believe in my potential and future. I am deeply thankful to APEAL and to the Maria Geagea Scholarship."
Majzoub saw the scholarship as well as APEAL's vision, as a vote of confidence in the future. "APEAL's long-term perspective, which encompasses public and shared projects is what excites me the most. I allow myself to see this grant as an investment in our local capacity, as opposed to an isolated scholarship award or the funding of a curatorial research project," he said.
The scholars were introduced at a press conference and midday reception held at Hotel Albergo on Wednesday, August 19th at 11:00 am.
