In the face of an escalating humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, a group of international photographers has united to organize an online charity sale of photographic prints, with all proceeds aimed at providing essential resources to the country’s displaced communities. The event, initiated by a collective known as Photographers for Lebanon, will run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 25, with proceeds benefitting the humanitarian association Mon Liban d’Azur, which will channel funds to organizations working on the ground.
Lebanon is grappling with what many are calling the most severe humanitarian crisis since the Great Famine of 1915. With over 1.3 million people displaced and winter approaching, many families in Beirut and other regions face extreme hardship. The country’s ongoing political and economic instability, worsened by the recent Israeli airstrikes, has forced an unprecedented number of people from their homes. Consequently, communities across the country are in urgent need of emergency housing, food, and other critical supplies.
The charity sale offers photography enthusiasts and philanthropists a unique way to support this cause: each participating photographer has contributed a single 20x30cm (or equivalent) print, limited to 15 copies and priced at €150 (577 AED/SAR), with additional shipping costs. The amount from each purchase translates directly into tangible aid: €150 funds 50 hot meals, 11 mattresses, 40 pillows, or 18 baby kits for displaced families in Lebanon.
Founded by four photographers—Emma Zahouani Burlet, Marguerite Bornhauser, Lara Tabet, and Randa Mirza—along with exhibition curator and art historian Yasmine Chemali, Photographers for Lebanon has quickly gathered over 100 photographers worldwide to contribute their work for this initiative. These artists have come together in a powerful display of solidarity, offering their images for sale outside of traditional market structures to ensure that the full amount reaches those in need.
The campaign has also garnered support from Menart Friends, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through various exhibitions, publications, and artist residencies, Menart Friends aims to build global appreciation for the MENA cultural landscape. For this initiative, they have organized an exclusive exhibition of the available prints at Espace Joséphine in Paris, taking place today. The event will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., allowing attendees to view the prints in person and connect with some of the photographers involved. The exhibition serves as a vital fundraising moment, drawing attention to Lebanon’s ongoing crisis.
The current situation in Lebanon demands urgent action, and initiatives like Photographers for Lebanon exemplify how the art world can mobilize to provide relief. The campaign brings much-needed global attention to Lebanon’s crisis, inspiring both awareness and support. As the country continues to respond to these unprecedented challenges, international efforts like this initiative represent a significant step toward delivering critical aid.
The charity sale will remain open until Nov. 25, with all prints available for viewing and purchase online.
Main image: Photographed by Cynthia Ortu
