I believe that the current economic crisis in Lebanon has left many artists struggling to sell their artworks to an extent that they feel the urge to decrease their prices in order to sell; this is due to the fact that more than half of the country's population is trapped in poverty and unable to buy the bare necessities.
Arts and culture have a huge role. They unite people. They also allow them to communicate together through images, sounds, videos, stories etc… Hence better social interactions. In addition, arts and culture help the economical growth of a country, they create job opportunities, consumer purchases market, and attract tourists.
Unfortunately, art has become secondary in people’s everyday life, and transmitting ideas is getting more difficult in a crowded world and with the new technologies.
Art influences society by changing people’s points of views. It's an effective way of communication with colors and lines. It is in fact a unique way for social change.
We know there is always a new dawn, so we need to hold onto our faith, hope, and resilience until we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In the midst of the various crises that we keep on facing in Lebanon, art is not given the importance that it deserves, though there is a vibrant art scene and huge potential.
With a strong and clear message, artists can have a big impact on society, shedding light on controversial subjects, contributing to debates that can open eyes, and sometimes even leading people.
I believe challenges and obstacles face artists everywhere in the world, we have to rise above them and keep creating art, art that breaks through all challenges in life.
Arts are the means to make a cause reach the emotional part of humans. They awaken their compassion and motivation to make a change. They revive lost hopes and dreams.
Following the October Revolution, the pandemic and the economic crises, the Beirut blast... Everyone lost their jobs, homes, shops, galleries.
