Program 6 August 2025

Hessa Lab

Workshops and artistic sessions

About the program

This is an artistic and cultural project aimed at providing a creative space that empowers Libyan youth to develop their artistic skills and strengthens their presence in the cultural scene through learning, experimentation, and collaboration.

The project is rooted in the belief that art is not a luxury but rather a means of expression, creativity, and building community ties and that young people deserve access to the tools, knowledge, and opportunities that help them develop their talents and forge their own creative paths.

It offers a diverse program of workshops, artistic sessions, and participatory activities focused on skill development, fostering dialogue and self-expression, and building networks among young artists and creators.

The program included seven workshops: character design with digital artist Abdullah Hadiya; pixel art with visual artist Munir Al-Warfali; collage with artist Dina Al-Qallal; the basics of drawing with artist Asma Bashasha; Art and Shared Imagination with writer and researcher Hossam Al-Thani; upcycled clothing with artist Fatima Al-Maghribi; and the creative process of comic book storytelling with visual artist Abdullah Hadiya.

It also included three panel discussions addressing the history of modern Arab art with artist Lubna Raqas; art and artistic trends with writer and researcher Husam al-Thani; and the creative process in storywriting with writer Ahmed bin Omran (Husky).

The project aims to contribute to building a more sustainable cultural and artistic scene in Benghazi by empowering young people, encouraging collaboration among them, and creating a space where they can come together to exchange experiences, learn, and express their artistic identities.

The project was implemented with support from CESVI and the European Union.

Visual content