Arab Image Foundation
Lebanon
Visual Arts,Archiving,Knowledge Production and Research
The Arab Image Foundation is an independent association forging new pathways for photography and image practices. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of artistic creation, research, and archiving, we explore, question and confront the complex social and political realities of our times.Our collection of over 500,000 photographic objects and documents from and related to the Middle East, North Africa and the Arab diaspora has been gradually assembled over the last 20 years by artists and researchers and through donations. With a critical and innovative approach, we collect, rethink, preserve, activate and understand these photographs through their multiple strata, and enrich the collection in the process.The AIF looks to engage a broad regional and international community in experimental thought and practice that extends the photographic concept. We offer an inspiring and welcoming environment open to everyone: through our digital platform, our space in Beirut, and our projects and partnerships. Artists, researchers, students, cultural practitioners and the general public are warmly encouraged to learn, discover, create, and exchange ideas.
Arab Image Foundation
Lebanon
Visual Arts,Archiving,Knowledge Production and Research
The Arab Image Foundation is an independent association forging new pathways for photography and image practices. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of artistic creation, research, and archiving, we explore, question and confront the complex social and political realities of our times.Our collection of over 500,000 photographic objects and documents from and related to the Middle East, North Africa and the Arab diaspora has been gradually assembled over the last 20 years by artists and researchers and through donations. With a critical and innovative approach, we collect, rethink, preserve, activate and understand these photographs through their multiple strata, and enrich the collection in the process.The AIF looks to engage a broad regional and international community in experimental thought and practice that extends the photographic concept. We offer an inspiring and welcoming environment open to everyone: through our digital platform, our space in Beirut, and our projects and partnerships. Artists, researchers, students, cultural practitioners and the general public are warmly encouraged to learn, discover, create, and exchange ideas.
Grantee
Reclaiming Our Commons: A Proposal for Cultural Collaboration Across the Arab Region
2024
A Common Public Library and Auditorium
Lebanon’s political and economic instability has accelerated the Arab Image Foundation’s (AIF) ongoing efforts to develop institutional models based on shared resources, as well as practices of deep listening and learning. In this context, AIF has been shifting internally towards more horizontal and collective work, forming a collaboratory of 8 interdependent collectives and institutions under one roof to address respective needs and common outlooks towards self-organization, as well as the creation of a shared and sustainable ecosystem within the space. This project seeks to establish a Common Public Library and Auditorium as a shared common space to collectively develop content, public programs, and ways of functioning together with two other organizations (Dawawine and the Cooperative of Cinema Professions) within these spaces. This process will allow the Collaboratory to develop economic models together, enabling it to exist interdependently and cooperatively, and will contribute to the longevity of this common space and its partnerships by establishing mechanisms for shared governance, management, knowledge, and resources.
Grantee
Lebanon Solidarity Fund
In support of arts and culture institutions and spaces
2021
Grantee
Lebanon Solidarity Fund
Solidarity Fund for Arts and Culture Structures in Lebanon
2020