Tripoli art festival brings together 91 artists and Malouf music despite power cuts

Libyan capital Tripoli hosts art and music festival despite power cuts

In the Libyan capital Tripoli, despite power cuts affecting daily life, the 'Contemporary Visions' exhibition with 91 artists and the 13th International Malouf Festival were held. The events are seen as a sign of revival in the country's cultural life.

Scraper SystemJuly 31, 2026, 12:23 PM

Libyan capital Tripoli hosts art and music festival despite power cuts

Cultural and artistic events continue in the Libyan capital Tripoli despite infrastructure challenges. In July 2026, the National Fine Arts Exhibition 'Contemporary Visions' and the 13th Tripoli International Malouf and Muwashshah Festival, held simultaneously at the historic Kasr el-Hald venue, brought the public together.

Wide Participation in Painting Exhibition

The exhibition, which opened on July 18 and lasted eight days, featured 91 painters from different Libyan cities. A wide range of works were displayed, from realist pieces to abstract art and paintings inspired by local heritage. Even on the final day, artists were making last touches while visitors filled the halls.

Painter Naima al-Shawsh noted that the exhibition brought together artists from different regions, offering a chance to see the level of plastic arts in Libya. Al-Shawsh said, "The Libyan plastic arts scene has undergone a visible transformation in recent years, both in the quality of works and in society's perception. Interest in art education has grown, and families are increasingly encouraging their children to develop their talents. Today, the biggest challenge is the limited exhibition opportunities."

Fine Arts Faculty student Wajd Mahmoud said the exhibition was an important space to put academic training into practice, allowing her to get to know different schools and develop her critical eye. Amateur painter Dana Qasim Agha also stated that the exhibition gave her the chance to learn from the experiences of master artists.

Andalusian Music at the Malouf Festival

The Malouf Festival, which began on July 24 and also lasted eight days, hosted more than 20 groups from across Libya as well as guest ensembles from Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. For the first time, a traditional Malouf art competition was held as part of the festival, along with academic seminars, a cultural heritage exhibition and podcast programs.

Director General of Cinema, Art and Theatre Abdul Basit Bouqanda stressed that holding the festival for the second consecutive year has turned it into a fixed annual event. Bouqanda said, "We are implementing an integrated year-round cultural calendar; we aim to restore cultural activity to society by providing sustainable support to theatre, cinema, plastic arts and folk arts."

Festival culture committee member Mohammed al-Jiloushi said the continuation of the event reflects a relative improvement in the overall situation, giving people a chance to meet in a shared space. Al-Jiloushi noted that preserving Malouf is not limited to concerts, and that seminars documenting its Andalusian roots and development in Libya are also of great importance.

The Light of Art Against Darkness

Visitors could move from the painting exhibition to Malouf melodies within a few hours. Musician Tariq Sarqiwa said this togetherness shows that art is a fundamental human need. Sarqiwa stated, "The Libyan people have never stopped engaging with artistic events, but making these initiatives sustainable requires institutional and logistical support. The combination of plastic arts and music broadens the audience; because while a painting invites contemplation, music quickly reaches the emotions. When the two come together, they create a richer cultural experience."

At a time when power cuts make daily life difficult, this activity at Kasr el-Hald was seen as an indication of the effort to revive the cultural sphere in Libya. The festival, which returned in 2025 after a hiatus of about a decade, and the widely attended exhibition demonstrated that art can flourish even under difficult conditions.

Libyan capital Tripoli hosts art and music festival despite power cuts