our mission
+ vision
Haven for Artists is a cultural feminist organization (NGO) based in Beirut, Lebanon, working at the intersection of art and activism.
Haven combines creative and humanitarian methods to facilitate a safe space for the exchange of knowledge, tools, and skills in-order to create a more just world.
Founded in 2011 by artists and activists, Haven began with large events promoting local and regional artists, growing to include annual exhibitions, a gallery and a residency program with international, regional, and local artists.
timeline
2011
Birth of Haven
founded by a group of artists and activists
2013
4 Events
Including Salus Ex Machina
2014
7 Events
Including The Haven Trifecta – Tales of Indulgence
2015
6 Events
Including A Current Wave of Nectar
2016
1st Haven House
22 events including Autumn Sonata – as the leaves fall and For the love of the Arts/A Fundraiser
2017
74 events
Including Radical: Choice and Consequence
2018
2nd Haven House (Concept 2092)
63 events including the Haven artist Residency
2019
61 Events
Including Mena-Logue, Vices and Validation and NEDWA
2020
Haven goes to the street
Haven closes Concept 2092 and join the street protests and interventions in support of the October Revolution
2020
“Courage” and Relief
Relief work after the August 4th blast, opening of a temporary shelter. Release of “Courage”
2021
Haven Online
Haven moves all work to the digital space, from exhibitions and campaigns to relief work and fundraising
2022
Community Center
Haven re-opens its community center.
meet the team
Dayna Founder + Executive Director
Dayna Ash is a cultural and social activist, writer, and the founder & Executive Director of Haven for Artists, a non-profit feminist art organization based in Beirut, Lebanon that works at the intersection of art and activism; unapologetically campaigning, and advocating for women’s and queer rights.
She was named one of the BBC’s 100 most inspirational Women for 2019, the 2020 Woman of Distinction award from the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, and the 2021 Leader in LGBT Health Equity award from the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health for advancing LGBTQ wellbeing in Lebanon.
Dayna is currently an active on Artist Changemaker Advisory Council – Global Fund for Women, on the Selection Committee Member – The Doria Feminist Fund.
Dayna Ash is a cultural and social activist, writer, and the founder & Executive Director of Haven for Artists, a non-profit feminist art organization based in Beirut, Lebanon that works at the intersection of art and activism; unapologetically campaigning, and advocating for women’s and queer rights.
She was named one of the BBC’s 100 most inspirational Women for 2019, the 2020 Woman of Distinction award from the NGO Committee on the Status of Women, and the 2021 Leader in LGBT Health Equity award from the Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health for advancing LGBTQ wellbeing in Lebanon.
Dayna is currently an active on Artist Changemaker Advisory Council – Global Fund for Women, on the Selection Committee Member – The Doria Feminist Fund.
Yasmine Creative Director
Yasmine El Rifaii is a feminist, cultural activist, and creative director with a BA in Interior Architecture from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA).
She is the Creative Director at Haven for Artists, a non-profit feminist art organization based in Beirut, Lebanon that works at the intersection of art and activism; unapologetically campaigning, and advocating for women’s and queer rights.
Yasmine is also the co-founder and Creative Director of Al-Hayya magazine which publishes literary and visual content on the works, interests, and strife of women, bilingually in Arabic and English.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Yasmine employs art and creative methods to challenge the patriarchy, oppression, and the status quo.
Yasmine El Rifaii is a feminist, cultural activist, and creative director with a BA in Interior Architecture from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA).
She is the Creative Director at Haven for Artists, a non-profit feminist art organization based in Beirut, Lebanon that works at the intersection of art and activism; unapologetically campaigning, and advocating for women’s and queer rights.
Yasmine is also the co-founder and Creative Director of Al-Hayya magazine which publishes literary and visual content on the works, interests, and strife of women, bilingually in Arabic and English.
As a multi-disciplinary artist, Yasmine employs art and creative methods to challenge the patriarchy, oppression, and the status quo.
Marilyn Designer + Illustrator
Born in 1999, Marilyn Mokbel is a comic artist and illustrator from Beirut, Lebanon. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-arts – ALBA). Her work draws inspiration from the city of Beirut, its peculiarity, and its relationship to her own body.
Born in 1999, Marilyn Mokbel is a comic artist and illustrator from Beirut, Lebanon. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (Académie Libanaise des Beaux-arts – ALBA). Her work draws inspiration from the city of Beirut, its peculiarity, and its relationship to her own body.
Siel Project Coordinator
Siel joined Haven for Artists as a Project Coordinator in June 2022. She has an MA in Middle East Studies from SOAS University of London and has worked in projects and grants management in international NGOs in the UK, Iraq, and Lebanon for 5 years. Siel’s a Cancer through and through, and will always over-analyze your texts.
Siel joined Haven for Artists as a Project Coordinator in June 2022. She has an MA in Middle East Studies from SOAS University of London and has worked in projects and grants management in international NGOs in the UK, Iraq, and Lebanon for 5 years. Siel’s a Cancer through and through, and will always over-analyze your texts.
Tiffany Designer + Animator
Tiffany Moujaes is a 2D animator, illustrator, and certified makeup FX artist with a B.S in Graphic Design (Digital Emphasis) from the Lebanese American University. She mainly gets inspiration from nature and faces. Her work varies from politics & activism to captured emotions and the small valued moments she shares with others. If lost, can be found at your nearest campsite.
Tiffany Moujaes is a 2D animator, illustrator, and certified makeup FX artist with a B.S in Graphic Design (Digital Emphasis) from the Lebanese American University. She mainly gets inspiration from nature and faces. Her work varies from politics & activism to captured emotions and the small valued moments she shares with others. If lost, can be found at your nearest campsite.
Anna House Manager
Anna Maria Ohan is creative and passionate Virgo; self-taught, Syrian-Armenian journalist with 5 years of professional experience. She concentrates on the humanitarian side of the news and raising awareness on the socio-economic situation within Syria. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her lifting weights at the gym.
Anna Maria Ohan is creative and passionate Virgo; self-taught, Syrian-Armenian journalist with 5 years of professional experience. She concentrates on the humanitarian side of the news and raising awareness on the socio-economic situation within Syria. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her lifting weights at the gym.