The FINDINGS pillar features research pieces by creatives, design experts, academics and practitioners, tackling the challenges and potential of the design sector as a creative industry in Lebanon. This aims at gathering data on design in Lebanon to better grasp the challenges, needs and opportunities for growth and development of the sector.
Since the launch of FANTASMEEM, a special focus has been given to producing research pieces on design as an economic sector within the cultural and creative industries. Most recently, a series of infographics on design and sustainability was produced to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability in all aspects of design. Before that, two in-depth research papers have been produced focusing on design economics, and on legal frameworks relevant to design enterprises. Both papers where produced by Adham Selim and Dima Hamadeh. A shorter paper was produced by Ghassan Salameh giving a general view on the design sector in Lebanon. Additionally, the researcher Nicole Hamouche produced a mapping of platforms supporting designers as well as a mapping of investors supporting design initiatives.
You can read on our website the abstracts of the papers. If you are interested in reading the full research papers you may contact us at: fantasmeem-beirut@goethe.de
“Design and the Socio-Ecological Nexus” on March 26, 2020
On March 26, 2020, a panel discussion under the title “Design and the Socio-Ecological Nexus” was supposed to be held in Beirut under the FOCUS pillar, but due to the Covid-19 lockdown the event had to be canceled. To make up for that, FANTASMEEM prepared a set of infographics related to this topic. The infographics are done by Salam Shokor who is a graphic designer, product maker and scribbler. They are produced by Audio-Visual arts producer and designer Ali AbuAwad and based on a text written by Maya Wakim who is the community developer for Lebanon at MakeSense.
The research paper on "Design Economy in Lebanon" (2019) by Dima Hamadeh & Adham Selim is the first piece of research conducted in the frame of FANTASMEEM Findings to consider the opportunities and challenges facing design, as a distinct industry, across the whole of Lebanon's economy. It draws on an in-depth analysis of data gathered from government-affiliated, institutional and individual, local and international sources. It addresses the essential characteristics of the design economy in Lebanon, including the regulatory framework, funding models, supply-chains and market conditions.
Legal Frameworks
“Legal Framework for Design Enterprises in Lebanon” (2019) by Dima Hamadeh & Adham Selim
This paper looks at design in Lebanon as an income-generating, job-creating, and taxable activity. In attempt to draw a comprehensive picture of the Lebanese legal framework both enabling and obstructing the growth of the design industry in Lebanon, this paper sheds light on the essential laws and legal practices governing the establishment, finance, taxation, conflict resolution and labour conditions governing design-related businesses in the Lebanese market. It comes as a part of a systematic effort to scan and analyse the design ecosystem in Lebanon. It is thus intended as an exploratory analysis that can guide further action for developing the industry.
Views on the Design Sector
“Views on the Design Sector in Lebanon” (2019) by Ghassan Salameh
When talking about the design sector in Lebanon, it is important to focus on the roles of different stakeholders. This text offers insights on the relation between businesses and startups in the fields of product, furniture and lighting design, and the manufacturing and real estate sectors. It discusses opportunities and includes recommendations for designers willing to start their business in Lebanon beyond disciplinary constraints.
The paper "Voices of Investors" (2019) by Nicole Hamouche sheds light on the design industry from the perspective of investors. At the crossroads of art and entrepreneurship, design attracts an eclectic crowd of investors and supporters. There is no structured and clear ecosystem in Lebanon that supports it as for the tech scene. By the term investors the author addresses diverse sources of financing: the financiers, venture capitalists and structured angel investors; the patrons, philanthropists and foundations, the more alternative possibilities such as crowdfunding in its diverse forms; and finally the borrowing and granting facilities available.
Platforms supporting Designers
“Platforms supporting Designers“ (2019) by Nicole Hammouche
The paper "Platforms Supporting Designers" (2019) by Nicole Hamouche investigates the main support initiatives for Lebanese designers, their contributions to the industry, their challenges and shortfalls. Based on the assumption that support platforms can play a pivotal role in growing not only the market but the variety and creativity behind it as well as its social impact, the author articulates recommendations for future actions.
