Stories Matter: An Initiative Highlighting the Valuable Connection Between Community, Sustainability, and Creativity
Through creative tools and artistic works, Stories Matter explores the role of public spaces and their impact on community life, the crucial contribution of sustainable agriculture and local producers to rural communities, the potential of ecovillages, the beauty of “slow fashion” and local craftsmanship, and the importance of public transport for environmental sustainability.
What is Stories Matter?
Stories Matter is a storytelling and creative narration project, part of the New European Bauhaus initiative. Originally conceived and launched in Beirut, Lebanon, the project later expanded to Barcelona and Brussels to showcase how art, culture, and social initiatives intersect across different cities, transforming communities into inclusive, welcoming, and sustainable places to live.
Following a Call for Talent published in April 2022, five artists were selected to participate in the project in Lebanon.
IN CONVERSATION WITH HAMRA SHOEMAKERS
Beirut exists differently in our grandparents’ memories. Asking them for directions in the city may uncover hidden, untold stories.
This is the story of Rafik, a shoemaker, and his longtime friend and current assistant—two men from an older generation holding onto a rapidly changing world and a Lebanon in deep crisis. Their story reflects the consequences of unsustainable economic growth and consumerism, but it is also a tale of generational divides and resilience during Lebanon’s most severe economic downturn.
Jana Khoury, and Leonardo Sartori
PUBLIC SPACES FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF COMMUNITIES
Lebanon’s past conflicts have profoundly affected people’s relationship with public spaces. The civil war divided the capital, drastically reducing Beirut’s historic public areas and deepening social segregation.
“I lived in France for 15 years. From spring to autumn, after work, I would sit with my friends on the vast green lawn in front of the lake. We always felt safe and free. In Lebanon, these spaces should not be reserved for the country’s elite; they must be made public and seen as a breath of fresh air—a place where people can unleash their imagination and creativity. A place where they can meet, interact, and ultimately, build a nation.”
Chloe Khoury
GROWNthisway
Every day, tons of food are discarded because they do not meet society’s standards. And every day, people are judged and excluded for not conforming to certain expectations. But what is normal? What is different? And when did we allow ourselves to give up the freedom to answer these questions?
Society’s attitude toward deviations from the norm is ruthless. And we are part of this society. Precisely because of this, we have the power to change it from within.
In this photography series, Amina Stella Steiner juxtaposes images of unconventional food with portraits of extraordinary individuals to artistically challenge our perceptions and consumer habits. The project also includes a series of photographic studies on the human body and food, along with a video celebrating the uniqueness of being “special.”
Amina Stella Steiner
HOW WE TRANSIT BEIRUT
A city’s transportation system provides a window into its social structure. Before the economic crisis, public transport in Lebanon was mostly used by those with no alternative. Now, however, it is increasingly bridging gaps between different communities.
This shift has created new connections and unexpected stories. This is not the story of a single individual but rather of a shared struggle—the inadequacy of Lebanon’s public transport system. It highlights the difficulties faced by drivers in the midst of the crisis and the frustration of passengers who now rely on public transportation.
More broadly, it illustrates how shared experiences—no matter how difficult—can bring people closer together.
Laila Hommos and Georges Matar
WE SALUTE THE HEART
Just 40 km from Beirut lies Saida, a city once renowned for its rich environmental heritage. Over the years, its green spaces have been erased by real estate investors and poor urban planning, with little regard for preserving agricultural production.
Two years ago, a major environmental initiative was launched in the heart of the city: “We Salute the Earth”—a public garden for ecological and participatory agriculture in Saida. Here, people are not only invited to (re)discover farming, but they also have the opportunity to grow their own plants and sell their harvest at the weekend market.
Omar Bsat
EMPOWER THE ARTISTS
Empower the artists on their journey through the development of the project, and choose the story that resonates with you the most.
To purchase the images, follow these instructions:
- To buy the full project (3 photos), include the project name in the payment note (open price, starting at €60 for the complete set).
- To buy a specific photo, include the project name and the photo number in the payment note (open price, starting at €25 per image).
The only rule? When you receive your photo, post it and tag @greengrowthgeneration along with the artist’s name!
Shipping costs are covered by the buyer.
Fill out the form, and you will receive an order confirmation via email with payment instructions (1. Name and Surname; 2. Email; 3. Full Address; 4. Name of the Project; 5. How many pictures?; 6. If you chose “1 picture” – The picture you are interested in. 7 – I accept the privacy policy for this website).
