The role of art in humanitarian crises, particularly within refugee-led organizations (RLOs), remains underexplored in the broader discourse on aid. However, during the 2024 aggression on Lebanon, RLOs revealed the transformative potential of art in addressing the complex challenges faced by displaced populations. Far from being ancillary, art became a cornerstone of emotional recovery, social cohesion, advocacy, and long-term resilience. The innovations spearheaded by RLOs demonstrated how creative interventions could redefine humanitarian responses and empower communities in crisis.
Art as a Tool for Emotional Recovery
Art served as a powerful means for processing trauma and fostering emotional recovery among refugees. For instance, organizations like Ettijahat – Independent Culture and SADA employed theater, visual arts, and storytelling to provide therapeutic outlets for individuals coping with the devastating effects of displacement. One initiative highlighted by SADA involved theater-based reenactments of participants’ personal stories, which not only allowed them to process their emotions but also helped others empathize with their experiences. “Giving someone the space and attention to share their story, while everyone listens, boosts their sense of self-worth,” Ali Shaker from SADA explained. Similarly, Ettijahat’s programs engaged children and adolescents through art therapy, helping young refugees articulate their trauma and rebuild a sense of normalcy.
The mental health impact of these interventions cannot be overstated. In contexts where traditional psychosocial support is often inaccessible, arts-based approaches provide a culturally relevant and accessible means for emotional expression and healing. For example, during the 2024 aggression, displaced communities in Tripoli participated in interactive theater workshops that helped alleviate tensions and fostered mutual understanding between host and refugee populations. These efforts exemplify how art transcends language barriers, creating a universal medium for connection and recovery.
Fostering Social Cohesion Through Creativity
Art also played a pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering social cohesion. During the 2024 crisis, SADA facilitated workshops where Syrian, Lebanese, and Palestinian participants engaged in collaborative artistic practices, such as painting and storytelling. These activities helped dismantle stereotypes and build trust among diverse groups. By creating shared spaces for creative expression, participants found common ground, fostering relationships that extended beyond the workshops.
In another example, Ettijahat collaborated with local organizations to support cultural initiatives that integrated displaced and host communities. Their “Create Syria” program emphasized collective artistic practices that addressed issues of justice, violence, and trauma. This approach not only strengthened community bonds but also provided a platform for marginalized voices to advocate for their rights and share their narratives. As Sandra from Ettijahat reflected, “Art must be central to any vision for the future…providing avenues for education, access to knowledge, and engagement with communities affected by displacement.”
Reclaiming Agency Through Art
A striking feature of arts interventions of all time was their ability to empower refugees and displaced people by shifting their role from passive recipients of aid to active contributors. RLOs enabled displaced individuals to take ownership of their narratives through creative projects. For instance, Ettijahat’s Create Syria program supported refugees in producing visual art installations that documented the destruction caused by the aggression. These installations, displayed in public spaces, served as visual testimonies, asserting the presence and resilience of displaced communities.
In addition to storytelling, art became a medium for designing solutions to immediate challenges. One notable example involved integrating art into the construction of temporary shelters. By incorporating traditional artistic motifs into the designs, RLOs created spaces that not only provided physical protection but also fostered a sense of cultural continuity and dignity. Such initiatives underscore the potential of art to address both material and emotional needs in humanitarian settings.
Advocacy and Global Awareness
RLOs also leveraged art as a tool for advocacy and raising global awareness about the plight of refugees. Digital art campaigns, public exhibitions, and performances challenged stereotypical portrayals of displaced individuals, presenting them as active contributors to the cultural and political landscape. Ettijahat’s partnerships with organizations like Basmeh & Zeitooneh facilitated advocacy campaigns that highlighted the lived experiences of refugees, fostering empathy and solidarity across international audiences.
For example, during the 2024 aggression, SADA organized a series of public performances in Tripoli, where stories of displacement were reenacted by local and displaced actors. These performances not only engaged audiences but also sparked critical conversations about the systemic challenges faced by refugees. “We believe that participants play an active role in theater,” noted Sandra. “They share their stories, and actors reenact them, allowing participants to see their experiences reflected.” Such initiatives demonstrate how art can amplify marginalized voices, influencing public opinion and policy.
Sustainability and Economic Empowerment
The integration of art into humanitarian response extended beyond immediate relief to include long-term sustainability and economic empowerment. Many RLOs implemented programs that transformed creative efforts into income-generating opportunities. Ettijahat’s “Life Initiative”, for instance, supported small cultural institutions in Lebanon, enabling them to sustain their activities while providing livelihoods for displaced artists. These programs highlighted the dual potential of art to heal and to empower refugees economically, fostering resilience within communities.
Moreover, the use of digital platforms for artistic expression during the aggression introduced innovative avenues for participation and advocacy. Ettijahat’s “Sanad in the Digital Realm” initiative created safe spaces for refugees to engage with artistic projects while preserving their anonymity. This approach expanded access to artistic interventions and underscored the importance of adaptability in humanitarian responses.
Rethinking Humanitarian Models
The lessons from the 2024 aggression on Lebanon reveal the transformative potential of arts-based interventions in humanitarian settings. By integrating art into their responses, RLOs demonstrated that creativity is not merely an auxiliary tool but a central component of effective humanitarian action. These initiatives challenged traditional models of aid, emphasizing empowerment, community participation, and cultural preservation.
The global humanitarian community should take note of these innovations and prioritize the inclusion of arts in their strategies. As Ettijahat’s work illustrates, art can drive social and cultural transformation, providing pathways for refugees to reclaim agency, advocate for their rights, and rebuild their communities. For displaced populations, creativity offers more than just solace; it is a means of survival, resilience, and hope.