4-24 November - In Aid of Beirut's Cultural Community
This November, Christie’s will present We Are All Beirut, a charity auction to benefit and aid the restoration and reawakening of the arts and cultural landscape of Beirut. Today, we are delighted to announce that the proceeds of the auction will be entrusted to The Arab Funds for Arts and Culture (AFAC) to support the arts and culture community in Beirut including the Sursock Museum.
A selection of the works in the auction were part of the exhibition ‘Beirut Year Zero’ which was organized recently in response to the tragic event on 4th August by Zoe and Nabil Debs of Arthaus Beirut and seen by thousands of visitors. The proceeds of these selected works will mainly be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross and Christie’s is delighted to welcome this initiative, as the company has supported the Red Cross in times of crisis for more than 100 years.
We Are All Beirut will auction works by artists across three spheres: the arts, the world of design and jewelry. With works by internationally acclaimed artists such as Mona Hatoum and specifically commissioned works for the cause by Ayman Baalbaki, Serwan Baran, Abdel Rahman Katanani and Nabil Nahas as well as iconic designs by Paulin Paulin Paulin and Hervé van der Straaten. The jewelery segment of the sale will include exquisite lots courteously donated by various brands and Maison’s, including Hemmerle, Boghossian and Piaget.
Caroline Louca-Kirkland, Managing Director at Christie’s Middle East commented: “Supporting the work behind AFAC’s cultural and philanthropic initiative, advocating and directing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Beirut’s artistic and cultural hubs is so important to us here at Christie’s. Witnessing such an incredible level of interest and generous contributions to We Are All Beirut, regionally and internationally, depicts the humanity and benevolence that is so very much needed today.”
Based in Beirut since its inception in 2007, AFAC strives to support and help in building all elements of the arts and culture within the Arab region. AFAC’s Solidarity Fund has been repurposed to respond to the rebuilding and rehabilitation of Beirut’s impacted arts community by providing financial help as well as dedicated support programs.
“The aftermath of the August 4th catastrophe has struck an astounding, unprecedented blow, to civilian life as well as to the arts and culture sector in Lebanon, the very existence of which has been threatened this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survival and sustainability of the once vibrant creative field is now in a critical condition. Recovering from the shock will require time, money, reconvening as a community to identify priorities, articulate visions and re-think the ways in which cultural production can engage with this moment in history at the local as well as global levels. We would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all donors supporting Christie’s charity initiative." - Rima Mismar, Director of AFAC
"There has been a tremendous response from supporting artists, many were emotionally, economically or physically affected by the blast. The artists range of nationalities reflects the multicultural fabric of Beirut, their generosity in creating and donating works is a mark of their love for the city. Beirut belongs to the art world at large and we feel it deserves international support." - Nabil Debs, Art Collector and Founder of Arthaus Beirut
Over the coming weeks, Christie’s shall announce the array of wonderous works of art and artists contributing and bringing to life this very special auction.
