THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF ARTS AND CULTURE

MARCH’s approach has always been rooted in its belief that arts and culture are powerful catalysts of change that can help foster long-term sustainable stability.

In addition to theater, MARCH has also incorporated art in its holistic rehabilitation and reintegration program- Beb El Dahab. By creating a safe space for personal and professional development, the youth are able to explore new skills and interests. These former fighters are encouraged to express themselves through various constructive outlets, including the arts. This has offered them a platform for self-expression that enables them to channel their emotions in a positive manner. We also hosted Shrine, an international installation artist, painter and muralist that helped teach MARCH’s youth new techniques. This generated a ripple effect as we saw a numerous young men and women take part in this project. Today, a number of them have blossomed into wonderful artists that have contributed in adding a beautiful touch of color across the streets of Beb El Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. This is quite symbolic as it represents a journey of change for both the communities and their youth.Finally, MARCH consistently strives to promote and showcase local talent through its various events such as the Cultural Blast for example. Through our work with marginalized youth from Tripoli, Akkar and Beirut, we have realized that these areas harbor a well of untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. Many artists have never been given the right opportunities. Therefore, MARCH actively tries to collaborate with these youths on different projects and events. Additionally, both our cultural cafés have professional recording studios accessible to the communities to enable promising musicians and producers to further their careers.