Through incessant closures, difficulty paying for production or shipping due to financial restrictions imposed by banks, with damages incurred from the explosion… It is worth wondering if exhibitions are possible at all in Beirut. But we have been finding ways to make use of BAC’s large space, inaugurating up to 3 exhibitions at a time. We have put in careful COVID measures and continue to develop economic and aesthetic approaches to be sure that the money we spend on exhibitions prioritizes paying artists, craftspeople and technicians, rather than take on material expenses for one-time use. Through these exhibitions we have been engaging with local and regional artists, creating platforms for under-represented artists with advanced practices, seeking out shared themes and approaches and most of all, trying to inject inspiration and motivation into our community of peers and audiences.
The Keeper, 2010-2014, 5:45 min Video, 505x208 cm Photographic Installation - Beirut Art Center, 2021. Courtesy of Beirut Art Center. Photo: Christopher Baaklini