AFAC” announces the immediate dissolution of the partnership with “Ma3azef”

Beirut – Monday JUNE 27 – 2022

Following the testimony published by survivor Fatima Fouad, in which she condemns, alongside the two accused artists, the management of Ma3azef specifically for their silence and concealment, and for not taking a firm position against the mentioned artists, and as this testimony coincides with AFAC’s preparations for the “Midane” concert in celebration of its 15years, the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture – AFAC wishes to clarify the following:

–       We at AFAC stand in full solidarity with Fatima Fouad in what she was exposed to and the testimony she shared; we believe survivors and reject any form of aggression and violation, without compromise

–       AFAC was not aware of the incident shared by the survivor, prior to the publication of the testimonial

–       The Midane concert, set for July 16 in Beirut, is an event conceived and organized by AFAC in celebration of its 15 years, and not a concert organized by Ma3azef with the support of AFAC

–       The partnership with Ma3azef on “Midane” is an artistic collaboration, through which Ma3azef contributed to developing the event’s artistic program

Therefore, in light of the accusations against the management of Ma3azef, and in line with our strong belief in the responsibility of all institutions/organizations/spaces to deal with any assault by first, protecting survivors, and second, holding aggressors accountable, we announce the immediate dissolution of the partnership with Ma3azef and the termination of any role Ma3azef may have in the organization of the event.

Our position is in line with our principles that are firmly rooted in rejecting and condemning any aggression, and with our belief that arts and culture institutions should offer safe spaces for their workers and audiences, protected and reinforced by clear mechanisms that guarantee accountability and responsibility.