Happinest - Arts & Culture Programs
We built Happinest as we realized the vitality of an oasis that celebrates creativity in the midst of havoc and ruination. We are offering our nest as a safe haven to any individual residing in Lebanon, seeking to explore art as a vocational pursuit, a healing instrument, and/or a recreational pastime.
> Our mission:
Happinest is a non-profit creative hub, offering programs in performance & visual arts, functioning as a support structure for aspiring artists and individuals seeking artistic outlets for healing and recreational purposes.
> Our vision:
Healthy communities founded on creativity, authenticity, and autonomy of expression.
> Happinest - بيت السعادة
The house, located in the town of Wadi Chahrour - a 20 min drive from Beirut, was originally built circa 1980. After being inhabited for almost 25 years by the Saadeh family, its doors were permanently closed as the family members gradually moved out. Five floors, multiple spacious terraces, and a 1000 m2 lively garden with its own gazebo add up to 2200 m2. The amplitude of the space allows for the occurrence of several activities, simultaneously and comfortably. The renovation process began in April 2021 and was fully completed in September 2021.
> Happinest programs
The art programs offered by Happinest are divided into two main categories: visual arts and performance arts.
> Partner programs
The nest is happy to open its doors to any potential partnership and/or collaboration with entities and organizations that promote or conduct artistic programs or activities aligned with our mission.
4. Activities
> Regular
. Classes:
Regular classes will be offered as per a set weekly or monthly schedule, to be assigned in the implementation process (refer to figure 1 for subjects). Participants will have the option to choose one or more disciplines to explore.
. Art therapy:
In parallel to the art classes, an art therapy program will be in process. This program accompanies participants on a long-term basis, following the progress of their journey. Certified therapists and psychologists will be consulted in the design and will monitor in detail the implementation of the program.
. Library café & guesthouse
Originally a kitchen and two salons, these functions will jointly operate as a library café. The facility will be open for individuals seeking a working space to focus on their writing, research, or artistic projects.
The upper floor, containing a living room with three master bedrooms, will be open to accommodate creatives for residencies, guest speakers/teachers, or any individuals looking to retreat into a wholesome artistic experience.
> Sporadic
. Workshops
Complementary to the classes, workshops covering a variety of artistic disciplines will be carried out frequently. Through these intensive short-term workshops, participants will have the opportunity to learn extensively from local and international artists and professionals. Additionally, the nest will happily accommodate guest speakers throughout the duration of their workshops.
. Exhibitions
Happinest will be organizing occasional art exhibitions (across numerous disciplines) that will allow participants as well as professional artists to display their artworks.
. Events & live performances
Our capacious indoor and outdoor spaces enable us to organize and host a broad and eclectic assortment of communal and live events that range from musical performances to standup comedy, slam poetry and spoken word, etc.
COLLECTED TO DATE
COLLECTED TO DATE
$0
