The Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo hosted the Takreem Foundation, under the patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, holding its annual Spring gala on May 9th. This gala attracted luminaries worldwide, gathering to celebrate the Foundation’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange and supporting crucial humanitarian causes. Founded in 2010, Takreem strived to reshape perceptions of the Arab world by honouring individuals, with past laureates including Zaha Hadid, Princess Ghida Talal of Jordan, and artist Etel Adnan. This year’s gala, held in Monaco, marked a poignant moment in Takreem’s journey, emphasising its mission to bridge cultures and support vulnerable children, particularly those in need of critical medical care. Ricardo Karam expressed deep gratitude for Monaco’s hospitality, emphasising the city’s role in showcasing Arab excellence and fostering cultural exchange.
The evening was a celebration of philanthropy and a tribute to courage and resilience, honouring three individuals for their contributions: Samia Halaby, a pioneering Palestinian-American artist; Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, Chairman of Seddiqi Holding; and Iskandar Safa, an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
French Lebanese pianist Bachar Mar-Khalifé played throughout the evening, concluding with a live auction, orchestrated in collaboration with Christie’s International.
acrylic on cardboard 70 x 50 cm
The live auction concluded with several lots sold including, Ghada Jamal (Lebanon) Title: Beiruty Dream Price: EUR 9,200, Issa Halloum (Kuwait) Title: Untitled (4) Price: EUR 13,500, Marcos Marin (Brazil) Title: State of Grace N47 Price: EUR 18,000, Ghazi Baker (Lebanese) Title: Chaos II, 2021 Price: EUR 12,000, Yasmina Nysten (Finland) Title: Accidental Portrait of the Artist as this Evening’s Timeless HONOREE 2024 Price: EUR 6,500, Jean-Marc Nahas (Lebanon) Title: Catastrophe III Price: EUR 8,500, Hussein Madi (Lebanon) Title: Bird 2015 Price: EUR 6,500, Riyad Ne’mah (Iraq) Title: From the collection «And I am the constant return to the country» Mahmoud Darwish Price: EUR 5,000, Maher Attar (Lebanon) Title: Independence 1/6 Price: EUR 6,000 and Yvan Genest (Canada) Title: Kaleidoscope Price: EUR 3,000.
acrylic and charcoal on canvas 115 x 95 cm
Proceeds from the auction were directed towards supporting vulnerable children in Lebanon, inspired by the philanthropic endeavours of past Takreem laureates and aimed at addressing the pressing humanitarian crisis faced by children in Lebanon and beyond. Notably, the project supports organisations such as Assameh Birth & Beyond and Sesobel, recognised by Takreem for their philanthropic work.