1.NCO Boilerplate:

The Network for Cultural Outreach (NCO) is an alliance formed by Clown Me In, Yaraqa, and YAZAN with the aim of decentralizing performance arts through sustainable touring across Lebanon  and promoting local and cultural tourism.

The NCO falls within the framework of All Around Culture’s Cultural Alliances Component that is implemented by Culture Resource and co-funded by the European Union.

2.About each entity: 

Clown Me In has been spreading laughter, fighting inequality and healing through the power of art since 2008, both in Lebanon and abroad.

Yaraqa brings together dance & movement artists and other industry professionals to collaborate and create impact in communities through dance & movement and generate opportunities for artists through incubation labs, creative productions and development programs.

YAZAN is a cultural association that promotes artistic production, intensive training and touring in the fields of multimedia and performing arts.

3.NCO Fact Sheet:

• NCO aims at implementing a sustainable and open network for performing arts in Lebanon.
• NCO’s purpose is to decentralize culture, providing artists and technicians with work opportunities around the year and bringing arts to audiences in these regions, outside of Beirut.
• NCO creates the conditions for producing accessible works that can tour villages and reach all social categories and audiences
• Each NCO tour takes its artists and audiences to 3 to 4 different villages, towns, or cities with little to no access to performance arts, and is spread across 3 to 4 days
• Target Audience: residents and expats interested in arts and culture, local tourism, alternative tourism, from nearby towns, villages and cities, as well as Beirut
• NCO tours are free of charge and open to audiences of all ages

4.Backgrounder: NCO Tour History

• Tour 1: Beqaa Governorate of Lebanon - Zahle, Rayak & Anjar

Aug 19-21 2022

○ 3 performance days

○ 486 Audience members

○ 9 performances

○ 27 artists & technicians & producers.

○ 9 partners

• Tour 2: North Governorate of Lebanon - Amioun, Tripoli & Anfeh

June 9-10 2023

○ 2 performance days

○ 528 Attendees

○ 8 performances

○ 24 artists & technicians & producers.

○ 7 partners