A group of young people who have chosen art as their way of life have recently announced the birth of a project (Beyond Color) in the Beit Al-Agha of Homs.
The project is a continuation of the Harmony Cultural Forum, which aims to (build peace through art) and focuses on outstanding talents in the field of painting, sculpture, photography, blogging, theatre and music to empower and support young people by securing supportive artistic and cultural youth events.
In a statement to SANA, project manager Kamel Awad, noted that the project is the outcome of a continuous year of preparations and training. 140 young people of various ages, specializations and interests were selected from Homs and its countryside to undergo peacebuilding planning camps and workshops in the community and exchange talents and ideas according to each participant’s technical field. 3 teams from each field will be formed to reach the final stage by presenting special offers to each team.
Awad pointed out that the participants were trained and supervised by academic professionals and the training took place at the Jesuit Fathers’ Monastery in Hamidiya and the camps were carried out in the Kafroun area.
Marina Kasuha, Executive Director of the Project, noted that “Beyond the Colors” is a project that reflects the various colors of Syrian society through art, noting that the opening ceremony included an art exhibition containing 75 paintings, 17 photographic paintings, 17 personal blogs, real testimonies carrying humanitarian lessons and messages calling for love and peace.
It also included, according to Kasuha, the screening of a short film prepared by the participants telling real stories that were part of their narratives, written by their hands, photographed with their eyes and narrated by their voices. Musical and lyrical pieces were also played by 14 talented young artists.
Archbishop Matta al-Khoury, Metropolitan of Homs, Hama and Tartous for the Syriac Orthodox, pointed out that the project is a friendly space for talented youth to express themselves through art away from war and destruction, and is considered an extension of the Syrian deep-rooted culture throughout history.
The exhibition lasts six days and is accompanied by musical, theatrical and monologue performances.
Amal Farhat