The Goethe-Institut celebrated its 70th anniversary in Lebanon with a special reception hosted at Rebirth Beirut in Gemmayze on Friday, October 31, 2025. The event brought together artists, cultural figures and partners to honor seven decades of cultural exchange and collaboration between Lebanon and Germany.
Since 1955, the Goethe-Institut has been dedicated to promoting dialogue, creativity, and access to the German language. Through partnerships with artists, institutions and students, it has helped build strong cultural bridges and shared countless inspiring moments. Despite the challenges Lebanon has faced over the years, the institute continues to stand as a symbol of exchange and resilience.
The evening featured a showcase of artworks by visual artist Baha’ Souki entitled “Silence in Plastic” and a music and visual performance by Joy Moughanni entitled “A Separation from Habit”, both recipients of the AL-MU7AFFIZ Cultural Grant, supported by the Goethe-Institut Libanon. AL-MU7AFFIZ is a cultural grant designed to support artists, collectives, and independent cultural practitioners in Lebanon. It serves as a catalyst for artistic growth, providing financial and creative support to strengthen the local arts community.
Baha’ Souki is a visual artist based in Lebanon. Working across painting, photography, and video, his practice explores how perception, memory, and material presence shape our understanding of place and self. Using black ink, he draws and erases, tracing the delicate processes of disappearance and transformation in today’s world. His ongoing project, “Silence in Plastic,” looks at how industrial expansion affects both landscape and memory. Living among plastic factories and constant noise, Souki reflects on how artificial materials reshape our sense of silence and space. The showcased works are part of a larger body that will be exhibited in full at a later stage.
Joy Moughanni, Lebanese musician, producer and sound engineer, is a leading voice in Beirut’s evolving music scene. Founder of Basement Sounds and partner at Tunefork Studios, he first emerged through the electronic-pop projects Pomme Rouge and Gizzmo before collaborating widely across the region. His debut solo album, “A Separation from Habit”, blends archival recordings and experimental electronics to explore memory, trauma, and collective experience in Lebanon. Joy’s work bridges technical mastery with a deep commitment to creative community and sonic innovation.
Hosting this milestone celebration at Rebirth Beirut carried a deep meaning. The space stands as a symbol of renewal through art and community.
“Rebirth Beirut has always stood for hope, dialogue, and the power of art to revive and renew,” said Mr. Gaby Fernaine, President and Founder of Rebirth Beirut.
“Welcoming the Goethe-Institut’s 70th anniversary here reminds us that cultural exchange is not only about shared creativity, but about shared values — a bridge that connects people even in the hardest times.”
The Goethe-Institut’s 70th anniversary celebration was not only a look back at the past but also a promise to continue building connections, supporting creativity, and inspiring cultural exchange for generations to come.