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SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom - Samir Kassir Foundation

Request for Proposals: Memory on Stage

Friday , 31 January 2025

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 recently launched 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 2025, as part of the Beirut Spring Festival, to commemorate the 20th 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.


Budget

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


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.

 

Please send the proposal to Randa Asmar (rasmar@samirkassirfoundation.org) and Nada Sleiman (nsleiman@samirkassirfoundation.org). The submission deadline is February 20, 2025.

 

The winning project will be selected by February 25, 2025. The selected applicant will be notified by February 28, 2025.

 

About the implementing organisation

The Samir Kassir Foundation (SKF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, working to spread democratic culture in Lebanon and the Arab world and encourage new talents of free press. SKF hosts the SKeyes Center for Media and Cultural Freedom, which has become the largest operation to monitor and denounce violations of freedom of expression in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. SKF provides high-level capacity building for journalists to improve their coverage of sensitive issues, with support from local and international trainers, and world class media development institutions. SKF also provides support to journalists in distress and advocates for the reform of legislations and practices that curtail freedom of expression. SKF has developed an expertise in media analysis and qualitative research around media consumption patterns and media content.

 

The Beirut Spring Festival, launched by SKF in 2009, is inspired by one of Samir Kassir’s final articles. It offers free, open access to multidisciplinary performances, focusing on understanding, tolerance, and cultural diversity. The festival showcases performances that premiere in Lebanon, across various venues in Beirut. It supports contemporary art creation, emphasizing youth engagement and the struggle for free, democratic societies.

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