Our Story

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 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.