392RMEIL393

On one side of the chaotic street of Gemmayze is a row of traditional mansions. Beneath one of them is a series of vaulted spaces that once served as the coach house to the adjoining palace. Behind the palace, up a narrow alley and some stone steps, is an oasis of gardens, arcaded architecture and gurgling fountains. In the shade of loquat and fig trees nestles a stone cottage, formerly part of a convent precinct then converted into the hammam of the palace.

It is there that the project 392RMEIL393 was born and from where it operates. This is the brainchild of architect and local resident Alfred Sursock Cochrane, helped by arts and crafts promoter Nayla Bassili, and curated by performative writer G.H. Rabbath.

The project’s aim is to provide a stage, a forum, a voice and a context to emerging creative talent that has not yet been roped into the traditional commercial or trendily intellectual gallery scene. The spaces will also be used by international creators whose brief will be to collaborate with their local counterparts, inspire them as well as be inspired by the electric energy of our city.

The gallery opens on Sunday by appointment.