Celebrating Creativity and Innovation
The atmosphere was lively as Musharek’s Bridge-the-Gap programme concluded with a memorable closing ceremony, celebrating the achievements of aspiring and established graphic designers who gained invaluable skills through the Career Blueprint for Graphic Designers course. With over half of our 204 alumni now gainfully employed, the success stories keep rolling in, and this year’s event was the perfect testament to the programme’s impact.
Inspirational Keynote and Insightful Panels
A major highlight was the panel discussion titled “Future-Ready: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges for Creative Talent amid the Shifting Regional Business Landscape.” Moderated by Naji Boulos, President of the IAA (Lebanon chapter), the panel featured industry heavyweights like Asmahan Zein, CEO of Ardi Ardak; Samer Younes, Executive Creative Director at M&C Saatchi; and Joe Abou-Khaled, Regional Executive Creative Director at Impact BBDO.
The event concluded with an inspiring keynote speech by Wissam Sabagh, Founder and CEO of Alpha Technology Group.
Speed Mentoring and Networking Opportunities
Adding to the excitement were speed mentoring sessions that provided participants with direct access to industry veterans. Mentors like Youssef Abou Hamad, a Personal Development & Creativity Coach; Ramy Boukhalil, a Trainer & Consultant; and Elie Abi Zeid, a Senior Manager, shared their knowledge and offered guidance on navigating the creative industry.
Honouring the Best with Internships
The climax of the event was the culmination of the BtG Internship Awards, where standout participants received coveted internship placements. The joy and pride on their faces said it all, reflecting the hard work and dedication they invested throughout the course.
An Afternoon of Celebration and Community
With over 135 guests, including 17 business executives and academic leaders from Lebanese University, ALBA, and Balamand University, the event was a great success. The overwhelming turnout underscored the programme’s significance and the robust support it enjoys within the creative, academic, and business communities.
The Bridge-the-Gap closing ceremony was more than just an event; it was a celebration of creativity, hard work, and the promising future of Lebanon’s graphic design talent. As the afternoon drew to a close, the message was clear: the future is bright for these talented individuals, and Bridge-the-Gap is here to support them every step of the way.