The Ready Hand, founded by Zeina Raphael and Pascale Habis, is a database of up until now, more than 700 artisans in Lebanon. It was established after the devastating 4th August 2020 Beirut blast, with the aim of preserving artisanal work, facilitating and supporting local production, as well as documenting the cultural heritage of the country. Artisans from all of Lebanon, from remote regions to the main cities are highlighted.
The Ready Hand consists of an Instagram Platform—bringing to the fore artisans' work and their stories, a Mobile App and a Website—applications with free access to a listing of artisans and their information, ability to identify around a particular location over a 100 different professions either glassblowers, metalworkers, woodworkers, craft, fashion, basketry and so forth, a YouTube Channel—showcasing a series of short film documentaries, and a Book launching in 2027, documenting contemporary and historical artisanship in Lebanon, local specificities and the role of craft.
This wonderful initiative preserving craft in Lebanon, reveals community work, beautiful artisanal elements, regional craft, expertise and technical artistry, makes space to motivate and encourage younger generations to learn and upkeep traditional skills alongside bringing in innovative ways, and highlights the importance handmade items, heritage and creativity are to the Lebanon and its rich history.
Artisanship connects people to each other, it traverses generation to generation, carrying culture, histories, stories, narratives that live on through craft, heritage and communities. Craft can communicate socio-political elements, bringing economic opportunities, it forms part of a country's ongoing traditions; making and creating may bring gratification, memories whilst forming new ones, and sharing through handmade items some history, expression, beauty, artisanal skills, perseverance, contemporary notions, appreciation for hand to hand, hand in hand.
Click on the explore button of The Ready Hand app or website for craft from Lebanon and connect with the artisans: