Talk/Workshop, Festival, Zabbalang

O.P.E.N. Inspiration: Make Food Not War

Organised by: Singapore International Festival of Arts
  • Date:
    7 Jul 2017
  • Time:
    7:30pm - 8:45pm
  • Duration:
    1h 15min, with Lebanese bites after
  • Venue:
    Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
    Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
  • Admission:
    Admission with O.P.E.N. Pass
    Limited single entry tickets available at the door

    Ticket Information:
    Please note that one O.P.E.N. Pass is limited to registration for the following:
    Up to 6 O.P.E.N. Films
    Up to 1 O.P.E.N. Kitchens session

    O.P.E.N. Pass: $45 (for all programmes)
    (one entry per O.P.E.N. Pass to O.P.E.N. Kitchens; up to 6 films per O.P.E.N. Pass)

    O.P.E.N. Concession Pass: $25 (no further discount)

    Single Entry Ticket: $10 (no further discount; limited availability for selected shows at the door)

    Due to limited capacities, registration for all programmes at The O.P.E.N. is required.

Synopsis:

Kamal Mouzawak is recognised for "inspiring reconciliation and respect between disparate communities, bridging ethnic, religious, political and social divisions through the shared human need and enjoyment of food; for preserving and promoting the rich Lebanese culinary heritage for future generations; for revitalising and fostering local food economies and sustainable organic farming in Lebanon; for emphasising the importance of rural communities and the need to develop them equally; for highlighting the need worldwide for alternatives to the globalised large-scale food supply system that causes environmental degradation and public health and socio-cultural problems; and for demonstrating that what we choose to eat as our daily food has potent positive or negative impact on our lives, local communities and the environment." - 2016 Prince Claus Fund Awards Committee Report

Through a combination of vision, leadership and sheer determination, he created the first farmers' market in Beirut, Souk el Tayeb. Today, Souk el Tayeb has grown to include Tawlet (Table), a farmers' kitchen and restaurant at which a different cook prepares lunch daily. It also organises a host of workshops, school programmes and regional festivals.

On a micro level, Mouzawak wants to protect the interests of local small farmers, enabling them to sell their produce directly in the market at fair prices. On a macro level, he works to preserve local food traditions and the culture of sustainable agriculture in Lebanon.

So, from the market (souk) to the table (tawlet), Mouzawak has created and powered a phenomenal food movement in Lebanon. Diversity, shared interests and the communal table are the hallmarks of his innovation through food. Behind it all lies a drive to promote coexistence and reconciliation while enhancing a better understanding of the Other – it is no wonder Mouzawak is inspiring people the world over.

Mouzawak has lectured for TEDx and in major universities throughout the world. He was listed as one of Monocle magazine's New Heroes-Worldwide in 2009, and his work was most recently featured in The New York Times and The Guardian, among other publications. Be inspired by Mouzawak's positive energy, which has brought people together in places known more for bitter conflict.

O.P.E.N. Inspiration: Make Food Not War


advertisewithus

UPCOMING EVENTS