In collaboration with ArtScoops and Agenda Culturel, AD Leb is hosting an art and design auction at the Sursock Museum on Wednesday, July 20th, to raise funds for the Gaïa Fodoulian Association, an organization that supports and provides shelter for animals in need.

Unique or limited edition works by 28 artists and designers will be exhibited at the Sursock Museum on July 15-19, ahead of the live auction which will be conducted by auctioneer Edward Rising.

A talented designer and gallerist, Gaïa Fodoulian developed the idea for AD Leb, a non-profit cultural space and digital platform dedicated to supporting cultural and artistic production in Lebanon and the surrounding region, in early 2020. She believed in the importance of supporting and showcasing the work of local and international artists and designers and hoped to achieve this mission through her platform. After her untimely death in the Beirut Port Explosion on August 4th, 2020, Gaïa’s mother, art patron, and gallerist Annie Vartivarian, is realising this vision as a tribute to her daughter.

Many of the artists and designers involved in this auction have worked with Gaïa at Letitia Gallery, exhibited work with AD Leb, or have been creatives whose work she followed and admired. The title of the exhibition is lifted from a personal Instagram caption written by Gaïa, expressing her longing and optimism.

In addition to her promising career as a designer, Gaïa was an avid animal lover and rescuer. She had a deep affection for all animals, and a strong impulse to help those in need. Rescuing animals was a cause she dedicated her life to. To honour her legacy and to further her wish that every animal be safe and cared for, her family founded the Gaïa Fodoulian Association.

Since its establishment almost two years ago, the Gaïa Fodoulian Association has rescued over one hundred dogs and cats from terrible conditions after they had been abandoned, abused, starved, or injured. Forty-five dogs and six cats are currently in the Association’s custody. The Association works meticulously to ensure the well-being of the animals in its care. It provides medical treatment, washing and grooming, comfortable temporary home with space to run and play, and a loving environment which caters to their individual needs until they get adopted.

As the scale of the operations is growing, with more animals needing urgent assistance, the Association’s team are now seeking to set up a new shelter to better provide vital nursing and fostering services. Given that the Gaïa Fodoulian Association is partially funded by proceeds from AD Leb’s projects and exhibitions, yields from this auction will go toward building the Association’s shelter.

Art Design Lebanon would like to thank Sursock Museum, Ghaith & Jad, Studio Safar, Eleanor Gibson, Leon Fodoulian, Malek Alsteyf, and Sibylle Tarazi for their immeasurable contributions.