Studio Madane and FNF’s ‘Beirut River: Portrait & Injection’ Exhibition, Igniting Urban Transformation Studio Madane and FNF’s ‘Beirut River: Portrait & Injection’ Exhibition, Igniting Urban Transformation Studio Madane and FNF’s ‘Beirut River: Portrait & Injection’ Exhibition, Igniting Urban Transformation

Studio Madane and FNF’s ‘Beirut River: Portrait & Injection’ Exhibition, Igniting Urban Transformation

يوليو 14, 2023

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Studio Madane, in collaboration with FNF Lebanon, presented a one-day event aimed at igniting conversations around effective change in urban environments and empowering urban communities for political transformation. The exhibition, titled “Beirut River: Portrait & Injection,” showcased the effective urban strategies of Studio Madane’s youth working groups, while an engaging talk by activists will delve into the multifaceted dimensions of urban transformation.

The exhibition took place on July 8th from 1 pm to 6 pm at Antwork in Beirut, where individuals from all fields explored a dynamic collection of sociopolitical mappings, architectural renders, archives, documentaries, and literature. Studio Madane, with the support of FNF Lebanon, has activated the youth to research and design civic and sociopolitical reform proposals specifically for the Karantina, Beirut river, and Bourj Hammoud radius. The aim of the stations was to present effective strategies that can achieve both small and significant victories, fostering hope and tangible change in the midst of Lebanon’s multi-crises.

The exhibition served as a catalyst for action plans and meaningful discussions, sparking conversations among visitors about the future of our neighborhoods and the role of civic empowerment for political transformation. It presented an opportunity to envision a Lebanon with human centered, inclusive, and functional institutions.

In the interactive panel discussion, a conversation by Nader Akoum, Nahida Khalil, and Charbel Chaaya involved the youth in existing trials on the ground to achieve political and civic reset. Attendees gained valuable insights and inspiration from these leaders who mirrored the spirit of the exhibited works, further emphasizing the significance of collective action and grassroots initiatives.

“Amidst the demotivation of the youth, the desperation and deprivation faced by citizens, and the challenges posed by brain drain, this youth-led event stands as a determination to return politics to the street and react with sustainable movements,” said Nader Akoum, Founder and Programs Strategist of Studio Madane. “We believe that by empowering urban communities, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and activating ecosystems with pragmatic action plans, we can restore our beloved cities.”

Studio Madane is a Lebanese-based youth-led collective that initiates civic + sociopolitical reform and advocates for its progressivist program while working with & for marginalized communities. Madane aims to yield an economically and socially sustainable Lebanon with operating and inclusive institutions. The studio fosters active civil societies to utilize result-oriented and rights-based approaches to advance its hands-on projects reflected in seven working groups comprising different actors in society.