Don't Miss This Fun (And Free) Art Festival In Beirut Promoting Peace And Equality :: Beirut.com

This Friday February 19th, a very unique art festival will be taking place in Beirut and will last until the following Thursday.

With the participation of 112 visual artists, the entire program of SOS (Save Our Souls) Art Show is free and open for the public.

We spoke to organizer and founder Saad Ghosn who explained to us that this is a project that was born in Cincinnati in 2003, and has grown steadily since then. Featuring many different types of art: everything from story-telling and poetry readings to movie screenings and dance performances, the works by local artists are intended to make powerful statements in support of justice and peace both locally and globally. The show works towards supporting local artists and giving them a platform, an area to voice their frustrations and concerns through art.

Though the entire schedule of the exhibit seems jam-packed with amazing shows and unique performances, the ones that stand out the most are "War Stories" - an improvised theatrical reenactment of the Lebanese Civil War as remembered by the audience, and the screening of the play Shebaik Lebaik - a play performed by migrant domestic workers and directed by Zeina Daccache.

The organizers and participants aim at promoting the use of art as a vehicle for justice and freedom. With the very limited funding of art and artistic expression in Lebanon, this is the perfect opportunity to provide a platform for those who are wanting to showcase their works and passions.

You can view the whole schedule of events and learn more here.