Our Story
2011 - Creative Space Beirut began as a three-month experiment. We started with five talented students from different parts of Lebanon, working with donated fabric. Our first exhibition auctioned off their creations, which helped fund the next exciting phase of the school!
2012 - CSB moved into a small, yet beloved basement studio space in the neighborhood of Geitaoui. This humble beginning embodied the spirit of innovation and adaptability that defined CSB’s future. Some of the pilot project students stayed on, new students were onboarded, and the team began to grow, along with the community.
2013 - CSB took a major step by launching a three-year program with a dynamic curriculum, led by a team of creatives and a small administration. Industry professionals joined the mission as instructors.
2014 - CSB developed a progressive curriculum blending traditional design with experiential learning and industry experience, positioning itself as a pioneer in creative education. The team and students showcased their work in Kuwait and launched two brands to help fund the school. Our founder delivered a TEDx talk on free fashion education.
2015 - CSB expanded into a larger space in Mar Mikhael, creating a more dynamic environment. Students collaborated with a Spanish textile artist on a patchwork coat for Villa Audi and partnered with 4 Concept Store in Kuwait, marking the start of a mode of collaborations with artists and boutiques.
2016 - CSB proudly graduated its first full class in an exciting fashion show production at Dar El Nimer with a large volunteer team. The graduates, equipped with a unique blend of creativity and practical skills, quickly found success in the creative industry. This early success became a testament to CSB's innovative approach to education and its dedication to preparing students for real-world challenges.
2016 - Mentor Caroline Simonelli teaching Creative Draping to student Hazem Kais
2017 - CSB moved to a large atelier in Khan el Joukh, joining a vibrant design hub in downtown Beirut. The second graduating class held a fashion show at downtown’s Foch Square. CSB was accepted into the Elevate Alt City accelerator, positioning itself as a social enterprise, and began collaborating with international platforms and boutiques to showcase its brand.
2017 - A live fashion show was curated displaying the thesis collections of the graduating class, as well as selected pieces from 1st and 2nd year student collections. The show was followed by a one week static exhibition at the CSB studios downtown as part of Khan El Joukh’s launch.
2018 - CSB’s third fashion show took place at Yared Warehouse, followed by an exhibition at Beirut Souks. Students collaborated with Santiago Boutique on a full collection, and with strong sales, the CSB team traveled to Shanghai to present at the WAVE Showroom.
2019 - CSB received a large grant from the Drosos foundation, marking the beginning of a lasting relationship. The October 2019 uprisings sparked a spirit of change, prompting CSB to cancel its December fashion show and focus on envisioning new possibilities. CSB’s operations in Downtown Beirut were severely affected. This period was the start of turbulent conditions for the country and for CSB. Alumni Roni Helou won the inaugural Fashion Trust Arabia prize.
2020 - During the COVID-19 lockdown, CSB shut down and offered limited online courses. The team pivoted to producing PPE with UNICEF, providing vital income to tailors, students, and alumni. The August 4th Beirut explosion destroyed CSB’s premises, halting operations as the community worked to rebuild and support each other amidst the devastation.
2020 - During the COVID-19 lockdown, CSB shut down and offered limited online courses. The team pivoted to producing PPE with UNICEF, providing vital income to tailors, students, and alumni. The August 4th Beirut explosion destroyed CSB’s premises, halting operations as the community worked to rebuild and support each other amidst the devastation.
2021 - This year was spent adapting to the deepening economic crisis. CSB moved to its current location in Monot and expanded the space into a dynamic studio. The program was still on pause for the first half of the year as we struggled to rebuild. Profits from several large corporate production projects for PWC and Heisco helped facilitate the construction of the new space.
2021 - This year was spent adapting to the deepening economic crisis. CSB moved to its current location in Monot and expanded the space into a dynamic studio. The program was still on pause for the first half of the year as we struggled to rebuild. Profits from several large corporate production projects for PWC and Heisco helped facilitate the construction of the new space.
2021 - This year was spent adapting to the deepening economic crisis. CSB moved to its current location in Monot and expanded the space into a dynamic studio. The program was still on pause for the first half of the year as we struggled to rebuild. Profits from several large corporate production projects for PWC and Heisco helped facilitate the construction of the new space.
2021 - This year was spent adapting to the deepening economic crisis. CSB moved to its current location in Monot and expanded the space into a dynamic studio. The program was still on pause for the first half of the year as we struggled to rebuild. Profits from several large corporate production projects for PWC and Heisco helped facilitate the construction of the new space.
2022 - CSB was compelled to rebuild its curriculum and team from scratch after many people left the country in a mass brain-drain. CSB was able to graduate its first class since 2019; their work was showcased in a video production, with each student overseeing their own shoots. A new class of 15 students joined the program.
2022 - CSB was compelled to rebuild its curriculum and team from scratch after many people left the country in a mass brain-drain. CSB was able to graduate its first class since 2019; their work was showcased in a video production, with each student overseeing their own shoots. A new class of 15 students joined the program.
2023 - CSB received a grant from The Asfari Foundation which facilitated the team’s organizational development in order to work on operational resilience and structure building. CSB began connecting with regional partners to develop satellite initiatives, including curriculums and workshops. CSB alumni Ahmed Amer and Amir Al Kasm won the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia Prize, bringing further global recognition to the institution.
2023 - CSB received a grant from The Asfari Foundation which facilitated the team’s organizational development in order to work on operational resilience and structure building. CSB began connecting with regional partners to develop satellite initiatives, including curriculums and workshops. CSB alumni Ahmed Amer and Amir Al Kasm won the prestigious Fashion Trust Arabia Prize, bringing further global recognition to the institution.
Founded in 2011 by Parsons the New School for Design graduate Sarah Hermez and her former professor Caroline Simonelli, Creative Space Beirut continues to grow and evolve, adapting to the needs of the region and the industry, fortifying its community, strengthening its curriculum, and expanding its programs.
Creative Space Beirut (CSB) began as a pilot project with a three-month timeline, driven by a vision to provide free design education to aspiring creatives regardless of their financial background. Initially, the founders had to actively reach out to communities, refugee camps, and NGOs to find interested students. This outreach effort was crucial in identifying and engaging individuals who would benefit from this unique opportunity. The initial project saw a small group of dedicated students, mentors, and volunteers come together to create a dynamic and inclusive learning space. This pilot phase not only demonstrated the immense potential of the concept but also highlighted the overwhelming demand for accessible creative education in the region.
Building on the success of the pilot, Creative Space Beirut has since evolved into a comprehensive, full-fledged program. It now offers an extensive three-year curriculum that encompasses technical, conceptual, and experiential learning. CSB has also implemented an Alumni Support Program, which bridges the gap between education and the fashion industry, ensuring alumni success through a comprehensive support system. This system includes job placement assistance, mentorship programs, and access to crucial resources, preparing graduates for the industry's competitive nature.
Over the years, Creative space Beirut has evolved and matured significantly, now receiving over a hundred applications per year from aspiring designers. It has become a highly competitive program, known for its rigorous selection process and exceptional success stories. Graduates have gone on to make significant impacts in the fashion industry, showcasing their talents and contributing to the cultural and economic landscape of Lebanon. Today, Creative Space Beirut stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives, continuously empowering young creatives and fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative community.
The creative scene in the SWANA region is flourishing. Lebanon shines in this dynamic environment, contributing richly to the arts despite facing economic hurdles and political unrest. However, the steep costs of tuition and resources as well as the elitist tendencies of the design world often ostracize many talented individuals. In Lebanon, this issue is magnified by the economic crisis and limited government support, posing additional hurdles for emerging creatives.
Creative Space Beirut is on a mission to reshape the creative economy. By breaking down socioeconomic barriers and cultivating a sustainable, innovative environment, we work towards a regional industry where every aspiring creative, regardless of their background, gets a fair chance at success.
Culture & Values
Creative Space Beirut's culture is founded on core values and governance principles that guide our organization's actions and interactions. Emphasizing transparency, integrity, and legal compliance, we consult trusted advisors and maintain independence to avoid conflicts of interest, ensuring the security and confidentiality of sensitive information. These elements foster a culture of meritocracy, accountability, and respect at CSB.
Community
Community is another pillar of the CSB culture, striving to foster a sense of belonging and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, and the broader design community.
Integrity
Integrity is non-negotiable, reflected in high standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in every aspect.
Equity
Equity is paramount in an organization dedicated to promoting fairness and inclusivity to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive.
Innovation
Innovation lies at the core of CSB’s ethos, where creativity, malleability, and forward-thinking are not only encouraged but celebrated in education and strategy.
