The Pierre Sadek Foundation Launched in Beirut
On June 12, 2014, the Pierre Sadek Foundation was launched in Beirut, Lebanon, to a grand crowd of guests, officials and media, in a special ceremony, commemorating the life of the renowned caricaturist. The event showcased the early works of the late Pierre Sadek, compiled into a special book. Caricatures from the 1960’s and 1970’s were chosen to be part of reviving his legacy in the Lebanese community, a press release said on Monday.
“We are proud to stand here today and give people a glimpse of the great works of Sadek, and how each of his caricatures tackled a timely issue; Pierre Sadek left an entire archive conveying the truth and the heritage of Lebanon,” said Ghada Sadek Abela, President of the Pierre Sadek Foundation, and daughter of the late artist.
Throughout his vibrant career, the late Pierre Sadek has contributed to several Lebanese and Arabic dailies such as Annahar, Al Anwar, Al Amal, Al Joumhouria, Ad-Diyar, Annahar al Arabiwal Duwali and Al Siyasa. He was also published internationally in various magazines, newspapers and news agencies such as Associated Press,United Press International, Time Magazine, Le Matin, France Soir and the Washington Post, amongst others.
He was also credited for pioneering televised animated caricatures following nightly newscasts on The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation - LBC (1986-2002) and Future Television - FTV (2002-2013). Books were also published showcasing his work, the titles of which: Caricature Sadek (1964), Idhak Ma’ Pierre Sadek ‘Ala el Syassiyyeen (1972), Kuluna ‘al Watan (1977) and Bashir (1983).
In recognition of his works, that covered decades of rich Lebanese history, as well as all events that happened nationally, he received several awards such as the Said Akl Award (1965) and (2003), the Kamal el Murr Award (1988),The Shield of the National Library, Baakleen (2000), The Dubai Press Club Award (2000), the Lions Award(2000), the Liberty Lions Award (2000) and a Recognition Award from the Tunis Festival of Art (2013).
In 1972, he was decorated with the National Order of the Cedar: grade of Knight by President Suleiman Frangieh; the grade of Officer by President Elias Hrawi in 1997 and grade of Commander by President Michel Suleiman in 2012.
The main aim of the Pierre Sadek Foundation is to continue the legacy of half a century of work by the renowned caricaturist. The founding objectives of the foundation are as follows:
1. Exhibit the caricature legacy left behind by the artist Pierre Sadek with the purpose of perpetuating his memory through the archiving of his works, activities, media engagements and academic appearances and organize and circulate them by all possible means.
2. Promote the principles and values of social responsibility, democracy, participation and development, at light of the morals and behaviors adopted by Pierre Sadek.
3. Organize and promote an annual award under the name of “Pierre Sadek Award” to encourage and support arts and culture in Lebanon.
4. Activate networking with public institutions, municipalities, educational institutions and civil society organizations in order to launch educational and artistic public utility projects in Lebanon.
5. Encourage creativity, especially in caricatures, and among young people.
The ceremony kicked off with an opening speech by Michel Lyan, former president of Beirut Bar Association, who shed the light on the genius in Pierre Sadek. Former Minister of Interior, H.E Ziyad Baroud, also addressed the attendees by unveiling the objectives of the Pierre Sadek Foundation along with its future activities. The speeches were followed by a short documentary on the life and inspiration of the late Pierre Sadek, and brought audiences closer to the man that was behind the caricatures that tackled so many issues in Lebanon and the region. His works, published on a daily basis on various stations and newspapers, and are credited for having captured the sentiment on a social and political level in Lebanon. They remained, throughout his years of inspiring works, as much-awaited pieces of art, fused with meaning.
In addition, at the ceremony, the newly named street after the late Pierre Sadek was unveiled by the Mayor of Beirut, Dr. Bilal Hamad. The street which bears the caricaturist’s name is located in the Ashrafieh region of Beirut.
The board of the Pierre Sadek Foundation includes: Ghada Sadek Abela – President; Hanan Sadek – Chairman; Antoine Tadros – Secretary of the Board; Ziyad Baroud – Board Member; Walid Sadek – Board Member; Omar Sadek – Board Member; Philippe AbiAkl – Board Member and Michel Lyan – Board Member.
The book will be available across prominent libraries in Beirut.
For more information, please visit www.pierresadek.com.
