From Beirut

The Designers

Individual designers, design collectives and design organizations based in Lebanon come together to present their work under the title, From Beirut: Lebanese Design, Global Stories. This exhibition brings together active participants in the Lebanese design scene who have never been exhibited together before, shedding light on the diverse talents, modes of production and styles that Lebanon has to offer, by bringing them together for 8 days during Dutch Design Week. The works have been chosen based on different characteristics: Sustainability, Functionality, Authenticity and Storytelling. Different in style and execution, the products range from 3D printed technological advancements in sustainability, authentic material and processes, contemporary high-end design and personal explorations blurring the lines between art and functional design. The products are all produced in Lebanon either by the designers themselves, or with the help of local production houses; they are different and yet connected under one theme: the capacities, beauty and inspiration this little Mediterranean country offers.

Impact and Exchange

The project aims to shed a positive light on Lebanon as a design and innovation hub, when otherwise mostly affiliated with negative headlines. Together with our partners in Lebanon, FANTASMEEM by Goethe-Institut Libanon, and DCDI (Diwan for Culture, Design & Innovation), we aim to bring back Beirut as the creative Hub of the Middle East, positioning the designers in a situation of strength rather than weakness and showing the true potential of our creatives. Through this exhibition, we want to start a dialogue between Dutch and Lebanese designs, promote diversity and foster exchange. The project “Cultural and Creative Industries” is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in cooperation with the Goethe-Institut. It aims to improve employment and income opportunities for creative professionals in Africa and the Middle East.