Zibaoui stresses the need to break down stereotypes in art and culture: “Art must work to deconstruct these prejudices and ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, has access to it.” Living with cerebral palsy, Hiba also sheds light on a significant issue in Lebanon's cultural landscape: the lack of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, making it difficult for them to participate fully in the country's artistic and cultural spaces. With multiple crises, resources for nurturing creativity—especially for marginalized groups—have become increasingly scarce.
In response to this challenge, UNESCO Beirut Office initiated the "TERDAD" (Resonance) project to explore inclusivity in arts and culture. Funded by the UNESCO Emergency Fund for Heritage, TERDAD aims to revive cultural and creative industries through inclusivity and decentralization, fostering coexistence amid ongoing tensions. The guiding principle of the project, is to transform public perceptions and advocate for the inclusion of marginalized groups within Lebanon's dynamic cultural landscape. The project focuses on three regions in Lebanon—Saida, Tripoli, and Hammana—and places emphasis on cinema and theater as key avenues for cultural expression.
As part of this initiative, a recent workshop organized by the Lebanese Union with People with Physical Disabilities engaged participants in examining Arab films that showcased common stereotypes. They recognized that the most effective way to address these issues is to involve people with disabilities in the creative process. Ghiwa El Haiby from Zoukak Theatre shared, “The workshop made me think about so many ideas for our theatre space to be inclusive but also about our content making.” This insight underscores the potential for meaningful change through collaboration and dialogue.
Building on this theme of inclusivity, an animation workshop in ISHBILIA, Saida, brought together young people with and without disabilities to create flipbooks. Led by Fadi Syriani and accompanied by a sign language interpreter, the workshop fostered a sense of unity and excitement among participants as they experienced the joy of creating together. “It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm,” Syriani reflected. The workshop fostered solidarity among the children and triggered vivid emotions as they discovered the joys of collective creation.
This workshop, along with accessible film screenings, highlights the transformative power of creative collaboration, demonstrating how diverse perspectives can lead to innovative solutions and a more inclusive cultural landscape. By bridging gaps through artistic expression, they pave the way for a richer dialogue that can challenge stereotypes and foster understanding.
Naila El Haress, a sign language interpreter and daughter of two deaf parents, shared her thoughts after accessible film screenings. “When I looked into the eyes of the deaf participants, I saw how engaged they were,” she said. “Such experiences are so rare. I remember my father once told me that after 35 years of advocating for the rights of deaf people, he had given up. Observing my recent work, he told me, ‘Now, I feel like we are no longer invisible.’"
Nadira Samaha, who is deaf, also noted that it was the first time she had seen a Lebanese film with sign language support. "I was thrilled to share this moment with my friends. It’s a crucial step that allows me to find a truly participatory place in society," she said, visibly enthusiastic about the initiative.
UNESCO worked with Metropolis Cinema and ISHBILIA to screen the film From the Other Shore by Maher Abi Samra, which addresses the challenges faced by people with disabilities in public spaces. They also adapted and screened the comedy film “Mahbas” by Sophie Boutros in Hammana, showing how humor can connect with audiences.
The theater play “No Judgment Upon Her”, created by Zoukak and SADA, was a significant milestone as the first fully translated sign language production in Lebanon. This play highlighted social issues and sparked conversations about Tripoli’s culture and challenges. The diverse audience, including many with disabilities, demonstrated the project’s commitment to showcasing cultural diversity and bringing communities together.
The project also led to the creation of A Guide to Filmmaking for a More Diverse and Universal Audience, developed by Metropolis Cinema, which offers helpful tips for more inclusive filmmaking.
Despite these positive outcomes, challenges remain. Finding venues that meet international accessibility standards is prominent, highlighting a broader problem: the lack of truly accessible cultural spaces in Lebanon. Many locations need adjustments to comply, and ongoing crises have strained resources, making significant investments in accessibility seem almost impossible.
Yet, TERDAD stands out as a groundbreaking project. It sets a valuable example for future efforts in accessibility, showing how dedicated work can lead to meaningful change.
The project not only promotes diversity and inclusivity but also serves as a reminder that cultural experiences should be accessible to everyone, even in tough times. Through the voices of individuals like Hiba, Naila, and Nadira, we see that creativity and culture flourish when everyone has the chance to participate.
Finally, UNESCO reinforces its commitment to fostering an inclusive cultural scene in Lebanon through projects and initiatives like TERDAD, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued in the rich tapestry of the country’s artistic life.
This activity is supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund.
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