Project Background

Since 2009, the Samir Kassir Foundation (SKF) has organized an annual, free entry performing arts festival, the Beirut Spring Festival (BSF), to celebrate the memory of journalist Samir Kassir, who was assassinated on June 2, 2005. Ever since its launch, the festival has featured performances addressing critical issues in Lebanon’s history. SKF has unique experience working with artists and contributing to the production of high-level artistic performances, many of which revolve around themes of memory and healing. Through its support for independent media and numerous online platforms, SKF has demonstrated the potential of technology to bring untold stories and ideas to younger generations, laying the groundwork for a healthier national debate around both history and future.

SKF has launched, on February 1, 2025, a European Union-funded “Tech for Memory” project. One of the key objectives of the project is to empower local cultural actors to contribute to preserving and promoting Lebanon’s cultural heritage and addressing the country’s fragmented memory through a major artistic performance. The performance shall take place in June 2026, as part of the Beirut Spring Festival, to commemorate the 21^th anniversary of Samir Kassir’s assassination.

Eligibility Criteria

• The request for proposals is open to all local artists and cultural practitioners who have a track record of producing work that engages with cultural and historical themes, as well as cultural and artistic organizations that are actively involved in the production and promotion of cultural works in Lebanon.
• The grant is for the creation and production of an artistic performance, including but not limited to theater productions, music performances, dance, visual art installations, and multimedia presentations that engage with themes of memory, identity, and cultural heritage.
• Applicants must either be legally registered entities in Lebanon or individuals who can demonstrate a professional track record in cultural production.
• Applicants must have an ongoing artistic or cultural practice within Lebanon.
• Selected applicants must confirm their financial and operational capacity to manage the funds awarded according to the highest standards of transparency and accuracy.

Budget

The maximum amount of financial support that may be given to the chosen entity/person will be EUR 50,000 (fifty thousand Euros).

Proposal Elements

Please take the following aspects in consideration when submitting your application: 

• Background: In a few sentences, tell us about your organization and/or experience.  
• Context: How does the project fit in the overall values and objectives of the Beirut Spring Festival?
• Concept: Provide a thorough description of the project (structure, timeline, key components, and innovative elements) and its relation to the concept of memory.
• Detailed budget: List all human resources, logistical and technical, and production costs related to the project.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be assessed using a clear evaluation grid, with scoring weights based on:

• Relevance to the theme (25%)
• Artistic merit and innovation (25%)
• Feasibility and timeline (15%)
• Expected impact (15%)
• Operational and financial capacity (10%)
• Value for money (10%)

EU Visibility and Compliance

This grant is funded by the European Union. All selected applicants must comply with EU visibility and communication guidelines throughout the project.

 

Please send the proposal to Randa Asmar (rasmar@samirkassirfoundation.org) and Nada Sleiman (nsleiman@samirkassirfoundation.org). The submission deadline is November 30, 2025.

 

The winning project will be selected by December 12, 2025. The selected applicant will be notified by December 15, 2025.

 

The selected applicant and SKF shall agree on an implementation work plan and the project milestones in the subsequent contractual arrangement between the two entities.