From Ink to Action
Using Comic Art to Save the Planet
From Ink to Action - Using Comic Art to Save the Planet is a collaboration between The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) and the British Council – MENA.
Launched during the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2023, From Ink to Action brings together twelve talented artists from the Arab region to tackle pressing environmental issues through the compelling medium of comic art.
In the immersive exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to explore the diverse perspectives of these twelve artists, hailing from Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. They have been commissioned to create powerful narratives that address the urgent climate crisis and environmental threats in their own contexts.
Each artist offering a unique lens through which to view these global challenges.
From Ink to Action Exhibition
Our exhibition goes beyond the traditional gallery space.
The comic works were strategically displayed in the storefronts of bustling town centre shops, taking the discussion to the streets and closer to the public. The modules of the scenography, thoughtfully designed, reflect on the idea of individual and collective advocacy and action.
From Ink to Action will be traveling to Dubai as part of COP 28 expanding the project's global reach and impact, fostering a worldwide conversation about the environment. It will also culminate in a printed publication and a digital representation of the artworks, available to read and download, on the 10yearstosavetheworld.com website. Along with the artists, and professionals from the field, we are harnessing the power of storytelling to convey the urgency of change.
As you explore this exhibition and engage with the comics, consider the impact of individual actions and the transformative potential of collective change. The climate crisis is a formidable challenge, but through the universal language of art, we can amplify our message and work together toward a more sustainable future. Join us in celebrating the creativity and innovation of Arab comic art while advocating for the planet we call home.
Together, we can turn ink into action!
From Ink to Action at LICAF 2023
The thought-provoking From Ink to Action artworks were showcased at an exclusive exhibition during the Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) from 29.09 – 01.10, 2023
Using the medium of comic art, 'From Ink to Action' believes it can create an emotional impact and convey complex ideas in an easily understandable manner.
By telling compelling stories, we aim to engage and inspire readers to take action towards environmental conservation.
Map of the From Ink to Action artworks on the Window on Comic Art Trail in Bowness-on-Windermere
LOCATIONS British Heart Foundation, Bryson’s, Fat Face, Love the Lakes, Bowness Visitor Information Centre, Windermere Jetty Museum.
PROJECT LED BY Julie Tait and Marc Mouarkech
SCENOGRAPHY BY Rabih Koussa and Nabil Farhat
COMMUNICATIONS BY Creative Concern – Chris Dessent and Jo Gamble
From Ink to Action showcased in Bowness-on-Windermere, during the Lakes International Comic Art Festival 2023
Meet the From Ink to Action artists
12 talented artists have been commissioned for the From Ink to Action project, chosen by a selection committee after being nominated by two experts Lina Ghaibeh and Georges Khoury (JAD).
Bernard Hage: The Art of Boo (Lebanon), Fouad Mezher (Lebanon), Lena Merhej (Lebanon), Mai Koraiem (Egypt), Mehdi Annassi (Morrocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Noha Habaieb (Tunisia), Salim Zerruki (Algeria), Seif Eddine Nechi (Tunisia), Shennawy (Egypt), Tracy Chahwan (Lebanon) and Zainab Fasiki (Morrocco).
About From Ink to Action
This collaborative initiative seeks to inspire environmental consciousness through the power of comic art, inviting artists from the MENA region to explore their languages, rituals, traditions, and unique contexts in order to tell stories about climate change.
In April 2023, twelve talented creators hailing from Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria have been commissioned to produce new comics that address pressing issues related to the climate crisis and environmental threats.
From Ink to Action Supporters
FROM INK TO ACTION IS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN The Lakes International Comic Art Festival and British Council MENA
SPONSORED BY Capìt Logistics and Plastc Lab
SPECIAL THANKS TO Lina Ghaibeh, Georges Khoury, Amany Abouzeid, Jonathan Morley, Carole Tait, Matt Burke, Simeon Leech, Zeinab Allaw, Elie Abi Akar, Rami Sbeih, Luisa Claus, Lemmy Hu, Ralph Bourji and ARTIVATOR fellows: Sasha Mattar and Youhana Nassif
