The Beirut Spring Festival is a free of charge annual arts and culture programming that celebrates freedom and renewal in Beirut, in memory of Samir Kassir.

–– Randa Asmar

Director of the Beirut Spring Festival

In a Nutshell

• Created and launched in 2009 by the Samir Kassir Foundation.

• Name inspired from the title of one of the last articles written by Samir Kassir, shortly before his assassination in 2005.

• Open to the broad general public.

• First of its kind in Beirut.

• Features multidisciplinary international performances (theater, music, dance, conferences...)

• Focuses on the themes of understanding, tolerance, and cultural diversity, especially in societies facing violence and injustice.

• Features exclusive one-night artistic and cultural performances and gatherings in different venues across Beirut.

• Supports contemporary art creation, and energizes Lebanon's cultural and artistic life, built on the belief that art is the ultimate way to tolerance.

• Thrives on the young generation’s interest in maintaining ties with the vision and thoughts of Samir Kassir.

• Free admission, which provides all society members with unrestricted access to original and non commercial art.

• Grows thanks to the financial and moral support of friends, sponsors, and the civil society, in particular.

• Offers production training opportunities for artists and performance makers with hands-on practice during the Festival.

• Work in progress to expand the Festival over 3 months.

In Categories

• 16 editions (2009–2024)

• Artists

• Participating countries

• Venues in Beirut

• Events indoors

• Events outdoors

• Participants

• Covering media outlets

• Performance types

• Supporters