DOEN partner Tiro Association for Arts (TAA) has breathed new life into the Cinema Ampere in the Lebanese city of Tripoli. And created a cultural hotspot where young people from different backgrounds can come together.
The city of cinemas
At one time, the Lebanese city of Tripoli boasted 35 cinemas – the largest number in the country. But since the 1990s, almost all of them have been demolished during the civil war or abandoned. One of the rare cinemas still standing in Tripoli is Cinema Ampere. By renovating this theatre and making it attractive to young people, it can regain its vitality and potential to be the Lebanese National Theatre in Tripoli.
A historical, independent cultural platform
The new Cinema Ampere is a place for discussion and for meeting each other. It’s a place where you can express your opinion, immerse yourself in the theatre, cinema or library, and socialise in the cafeteria. Here, young people of different genders and socio-economic and religious backgrounds can come together. They can enroll in workshops and take part in a variety of disciplines such as film, photography, theater, fine arts and crafts.
TAA creates cultural refuges
Previously, Tiro Association for Arts reconstructed and reopened Cinema Rivoli in the city of Tyre. The aim was to strengthen the creative ability of young people and allow them to express themselves peacefully, freely and critically. But also to strengthen their cultural and artistic skills and promote social cohesion and understanding between communities. TAA wants to transfer the experiences gained in Tyre to Tripoli and thus connect the northern and southern regions. These two regions have long been diametrically opposed to each other as a result of the war and differing religious agendas, and have found it difficult to enter into a dialogue.
See photos of the gala reopening below!
