AT ONE POINT IN TIME, SEVEN WOMEN CAME TOGETHER, SHARING A SIMILAR VISION OF WHAT WAS GOING ON AROUND THEM DURING THE LEBANESE REVOLUTION.
AT ONE POINT IN TIME, SEVEN WOMEN CAME TOGETHER, SHARING A SIMILAR VISION OF WHAT WAS GOING ON AROUND THEM DURING THE LEBANESE REVOLUTION.Maya Hodroj, Cleo Alemadi, Dania El Kadi, Daniella Chartouni, Alexandra Naccache, Mayssa Kanaan and Kelly El Khoury are the brains behind this online operation, known today as ‘’Dikkéni’’; a conceptual goal to have a stage for social networking where many emerging talents could stand tall and proud, having the light shed on them and their amazing work. Not to mention, all the proceeds would go the 30 artists they feature on their page as well as two NGOs, ‘’Bedayati’’ and ‘’Gestures from the Heart’’. And just like the artworks scattered across the walls in Downtown Beirut, Dikkeni was created from a purpose to see a vision beyond a simple dead end and see the potential for something more. Because those walls could technically block you physically, but they couldn’t block the imagination these women had to see an opportunity for creative solutions.
“TOGETHER WE WILL FIND MANY WAYS TO SUPPORT THE LEBANESE GROWN TALENT. THEY DESERVE OUR TIME, FOCUS AND ENERGY; AND WE WILL DELIVER.’’
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START SOMETHING LIKE “DIKKÉNI”?
These seven women got inspired by the tragedy Lebanon was facing since October and were able to connect their minds together through the help of equal goals that pushed them to make something like Dikkéni happen. And they were all inspired by three ideals that were equally shared among them:
‘’Three aspects really: first, we were inspired by the uprising of Thawra art that emerged during the first few months of the revolution. We always knew Lebanon had a vibrant art scene, but the intensity, awareness, wit and courage our artists have shown since October 2019 have been a daily staple and a synonym of Thawra. Their ability to express the sentiment of many and contribute to the scream for justice truly inspired us. Second, we believe in the infinite potential of Lebanese talent. Our artists deserve a platform that represents them globally, presents their work to the world and rewards them accordingly. Finally, we are a team of students and professionals who believe in conscious consumerism, social entrepreneurship, and the power of teams. We saw in Dikkéni a business that turns these ideals into reality.’’
Lebanon is full of so much life and culture. And even with the economic trouble it’s in right now, we should never forget to look to the side and remember the brilliancy that its’ creative inhabitants possess. Dikkéni is doing just that by existing as a base that believes in the undeniable artistic talents of Lebanese artists. And with its help, these artists will be able to get the exposure they deserve, that supports their dreams and any financial predicaments they may be going through as struggling creatives.
Written by Khaled Alameh
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