The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) and the British Council – MENA have partnered to present ‘From Ink to Action’, a project harnessing comic art to inspire environmental awareness and collective action. This initiative invites artists from the Arab world to explore their languages, rituals, and surroundings to narrate relevant climate change stories. In April 2023, twelve creators from Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria were commissioned to create comics addressing today’s environmental challenges.
These works debuted in the UK at LICAF in September 2023, travelled to the UAE for COP28 in December 2023, and returned to Manchester for the Festival of Libraries in June 2024. As part of REEF’s 2024 edition, we are thrilled to present an adapted version of the exhibition showcasing videos that highlight each commission and the publication featuring the twelve compelling comic stories. The project celebrates the potential of Arab comic art to drive change and engage with diverse audiences – from children to adults, and from enthusiasts to professionals. The shared objective is to raise awareness about the climate crisis and environmental threats, and to motivate action. Recognising the interconnectedness of life and the importance of preserving resources and ecosystems, the project emphasises personal responsibility and sustainable choices.
Join us from 26 – 28 July 2024 in ‘From Ink to Action’ as we use the universal language of art to champion environmental causes, spark change, and weave storytelling that resonates globally.
MENA Artists: Mehdi Annassi, Tracy Chahwan, Zainab Fasiki, Noha Habaieb, Bernard Hage (The Art of Boo), Mai Koraiem, Lena Merhej, Fouad Mezher, Seif Nechi, Mo Salah, Shennawy, and Salim Zerrouki
Project led by: Marc Mouarkech and Julie Tait
Installation Design and Scenography: Rabih Koussa + Nabil Farhat
Video Animation: Sama Beydoun and Alex Abdallah
Artist Nomination: Lina Ghaibeh and Georges Khoury (JAD)
Sponsors: Capit Logistics, Plastc Lab, and 53 Dots
