The Sursock Museum is taking a bold step to make Lebanon’s modern artistic heritage accessible to young audiences with the launch of a new educational project: “Soksok parmi les couleurs, un voyage dans l’art libanais” (Soksok Among the Colors, a Journey through Lebanese Art). Supported by the Italian government and created in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the initiative combines a playful book, hands-on workshops, and innovative storytelling to engage children with the country’s vibrant art scene.

The story behind the book

At the heart of the project is Soksok, a black cat created by the Samandal Comics collective and inspired by illustrator Lena Merhej’s own Zaytoun. Through Soksok’s journey across sixteen works of Lebanese art, children are invited to explore artistic practices in a playful and structured way, observing, interpreting, and imagining their own visual stories.

The book opens with an introduction to Lebanon’s archaeological and cultural heritage, prepared by the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA), situating modern art within the continuity of the country’s rich history. A chronological timeline highlights the milestones of Lebanese artistic creation, linking twentieth century works to their social and cultural contexts.

Beyond the narrative, the book includes artist biographies, reproductions of original works, and a coloring booklet inspired by pieces in the Museum’s collection, notably works by Willy Aractingi. This hands-on approach encourages young readers to engage directly with the shapes, forms, and colors of Lebanese art, fostering both appreciation and creativity.

Workshops around it

The initiative extends into educational workshops across Lebanese public schools in the coming months. Led by Samandal Comics and specialists in visual arts, these sessions introduce children to the themes of the book through drawing, comics, and storytelling exercises. Students learn to observe artworks, create narratives inspired by paintings, and express themselves through colour and illustration. Teachers are also invited to participate in cultural mediation sessions, equipping them with tools to integrate art into classroom learning and promote personal expression among students.

Supported by the Government of Italy and implemented through AICS, the project reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage while educating younger generations. By bringing Lebanon’s modern art to life for children, the Sursock Museum is creating a bridge between past and future, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the country’s rich artistic legacy.