Culture as Insistence

Reflections on Safeguarding Memory, Identity, and Transformation in Times of Crisis

At Creative Space Beirut, we believe that art, design, and culture are not luxuries—they form the foundation of our humanity. They connect us to our history, shape our present, and inspire our future. When hardship strikes, culture is often among its first targets. In these moments, creativity becomes even more essential. It sparks reflection and dialogue, anchors us in our collective identity, and drives us to persevere and innovate. Creative culture not only roots us in a shared purpose but also opens doors to transformation and possibility.

Culture Under Attack: A History of Erasure and Resistance

Throughout history, culture has been deliberately targeted during periods of war, occupation, and crisis. The destruction of cultural spaces, archives, and artistic expressions is a time-worn tactic of domination—aimed at silencing voices, severing ties to history, and eroding identity.

In Lebanon, for example, the Civil War (1975–1990) profoundly reshaped the country’s cultural landscape. Archives were destroyed, significant artifacts lost, and countless artists displaced. Yet even amid these challenges, artistic expression endured as a powerful means of resistance, documentation, and healing. Without an official narrative to recount the war, Lebanese films, music, visual art, and literature have become indispensable tools for interpreting and reconstructing a fragmented history. Filmmakers document the war’s impact on civilians, visual artists transform personal trauma into storytelling, and musicians employ satire and social commentary to critique the absurdity of conflict. Cultural centers like Beit Beirut—housed in a former sniper building—now serve as living archives, enabling Lebanon to confront its past through art, film, and design. Perhaps the most potent example of cultural erasure is found in Occupied Palestine, where aggressive actions against cultural institutions persist. Spaces such as The Freedom Theatre in Jenin—a hub for artistic resistance—have been repeatedly raided, resulting in arrests and the destruction of infrastructure. Similarly, the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, dedicated to preserving Palestinian musical heritage, has faced ongoing assaults. Even independent outlets like the Educational Bookshop in Jerusalem—one of the few sources of critical Palestinian literature—have not been spared, with raids leading to the confiscation of books. Historical instances, such as the 1982 looting and burning of the PLO Research Center during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, along with more recent attacks on institutions like Dar Al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, underscore a long-standing effort to erase Palestinian cultural and intellectual life.

Culture as Shelter: Creativity in Times of Humanitarian Crisis

Culture is not only a form of resistance; it can also provide refuge. Cultural communities, bonded by shared experiences, have the capacity to unite and create meaningful change. Following the August 4, 2020, Beirut port explosion, Lebanon’s cultural community played a crucial role in relief efforts. Massive fundraising initiatives led by cultural actors—such as the Heritage Emergency Action Lebanon (HEAL) launched by the Association for the Protection of the Lebanese Heritage (APLH)—helped fund the repair and rehabilitation of historic buildings. These efforts not only preserved cultural landmarks but also provided shelter for displaced residents.

Similarly, during the Israeli aggression on Lebanon in 2024, cultural spaces across Lebanon were transformed into sanctuaries for those displaced by violence. A renowned Beirut nightclub repurposed its space to accommodate over 400 families fleeing bombings in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, offering food, shelter, and essential services. Local organizations joined forces: Tunefork Studios raised funds to support displaced populations, while Warde Fabrics collaborated with Creative Space Beirut to sew blankets for those affected. Even Beirut’s famed Le Colisée cinema was converted into a shelter, underscoring how cultural institutions often serve as first responders in times of crisis—where creativity and compassion converge to sustain communities.

Breaking Barriers to Access: Ensuring Culture Remains for Everyone

For art and culture to mirror the depth and diversity of our society—and to remain resilient in challenging times—accessibility is key. When creative spaces are open and free, they nurture artistic talent and ensure that culture is a collective resource rather than a privilege. At Creative Space Beirut, this principle lies at the heart of our mission. By offering full scholarships that cover tuition, materials, and mentorship, CSB challenges financial barriers and ensures that young designers—regardless of socioeconomic background—can pursue their craft. In a world where access to creative education is often dictated by privilege, spaces like CSB help maintain a dynamic, inclusive, and authentic creative field.

Other independent spaces have embraced similar models. During Lebanon’s economic collapse—when access to creative tools and proper electricity became nearly impossible—the Beirut Synthesizer Center opened its doors as a free public space for music production, providing stable power, high-end synthesizers, recording equipment, and free workshops. The Arab Image Foundation preserves and shares the SWANA region’s visual history, ensuring that cultural memories remain publicly accessible. In Amman, Tiraz: Widad Kawar Home for Arab Dress archives and exhibits the region’s rich textile heritage, while also supporting contemporary interpretations of traditional dress. Similarly, Inaash, a long-standing Lebanese NGO, works to preserve and promote Palestinian embroidery, employing women artisans and supporting the continuation of cultural identity through craft.

In Amman, Makan Art Space offers a dynamic platform for emerging and established artists through free residencies, exhibitions, and workshops. Back in Beirut, Ashkal Alwan is a prominent cultural organization that brings together like-minded artists from the region by offering dedicated spaces and resources—including workshops, residencies, and community projects—to foster experimental visual arts and creative dialogue.

In Cairo, the El Sawy Culturewheel serves as a vibrant cultural hub hosting a wide array of events from music and theater to art exhibitions and public discussions. Darat al Funun in Amman supports creative practices through residencies, exhibitions, and educational initiatives.

 In Palestine, Nol Collective functions as an intersectional feminist and political fashion collective that revives ancestral techniques such as tatreez and traditional weaving, working with artisans to transform heritage crafts into powerful narratives of resistance and cultural identity. Finally, Shatr Beirut Poetics, a literature collective, unites writers and poets through free literary readings, open mic events, curated performances, and creative writing workshops, fostering lively community dialogue.

These initiatives illustrate that when creative barriers are removed, culture can flourish even in the toughest times.

Investing in Culture: A Defiant Act of Preservation

Investing in culture during hardship is an act of safeguarding our humanity. It is a defiant response to despair, affirming that beauty and meaning can thrive even in the darkest moments. Supporting cultural endeavors revitalizes the crafts and creations that enrich our world with purpose and understanding.

Handcrafted items carry the lives, stories, and character of their makers—each garment, painting, or film becomes a thread in the collective tapestry of a people. In a world alive with creativity, connection, transformation, and wonder emerge. This creative spark lights a path forward, illuminating the darkness with nuance, meaning, and love.