The health crisis has had a severe impact on the world of photography that has already been facing structural difficulties for a very long time. This is coupled with the economic crisis and the lack of platforms that promote photographers and the sale of their works in Lebanon.
In light of this, the Beirut Centre of Photography, a non-profit association created in 2016, launched the week of photography in Beirut, under the title of “Beirut Photo.” It is a fun and educational event open to the public, which provides an opportunity for the photographic world of Lebanon to shine through its wealth and creativity.
During 5 days, the public is invited to attend round tables and workshops to think about photography. Far from labelling and coming up with theories, the event is mainly aimed at providing a possibility to understand and question the different typologies of photographic practices. During the first edition, visitors will also be capable of benefitting from a varied program including conferences and workshops (as an attachment) as well as the “Photo Exhibition”, which will take place at Souk El Tayeb (Mar Mikhael) on November 27 and 28, 2021, where 20 to 30 photographers are invited to display a selection of their works and photo books.
An unprecedented occasion to come meet the artists, support them, and purchase one or more shots. A percentage of the sales made will go to the BCP and SOURA to ensure the continuation of their work to support Lebanese photography.
About BCP (bcplebanon.org)
Founded in 2016, the Beirut Center of Photography is a non-profit organization based in Beirut and dedicated to photography and the visual culture. The Beirut Center of Photography organizes exhibitions, workshops, debates, and educational programs. The objective of the center is to place the MENA region on the world map of photography. The BCP was founded by Patrick Baz, Michel Zoghzoghi, Said Francis, and Serge Akl.
About SOURA
SOURA is an associative platform, devoted to supporting Lebanese photographic creativity. The goal is to contribute to the continuity of photographic production in Lebanon, to promote this scene, and to support it so that it may shine on the international level.
Following the economic and health crises which Lebanon is currently facing, SOURA, in partnership with the BCP, have established the first fund to finance a student’s studies wishing to broaden their skills in Europe.
The first laureate is the young photographer Tarek Haddad, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Photography from NDU – Lebanon.
The fund will finance his Master’s Degree over three years, at the higher school of photography in Arles, where he passed the entrance exam with ease. The funds raised will be used to pay his registration fees as well as his accommodation in Arles.
The sponsor of this first edition is the French photographer Aurélie Pétrel.
Tarek Haddad is a Lebanese photographer whose work revolves around human behavior, intimate relation, or modern social dynamics. His most recent projects question the relation between man and nature, and our disconnection from it.
His work has already been displayed in many exhibitions in Beirut. He also had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with the visual artist Halida Boughriet, and was accepted as a resident in the context of the “SMArt” program in Switzerland.