Laymoon Arts, a Naarm-based collective celebrating Arab creativity and its intersection with the cultures around it.
Laymoon Arts creates bold, progressive, and innovative artistic programming and spaces that celebrate Arab arts and cultural expression while exploring their intersections with the many cultures that surround them.
Founded by five creatives that bring together diverse expertise across music, performing arts, visual arts, and community building. Laymoon is built on intentional collaboration and creative exchange that honour our roots while reimagining our future.
We pursue this work with deep respect for the unceded sovereignty of First Nations peoples, grounding our practice in listening, care, and a commitment to building relationships that uphold Indigenous cultural authority.
Laymoon (ليمون) means “lemon” in Arabic, a reminder of home, and the bursts of flavour, colour, and memory that connect us to our roots. It speaks to our ethos: vibrant, rooted, generous, and full of possibility.
Our work is grounded in six core values:
1. Cultural advancement and preservation - We honour Arab traditions while being bold, innovative, and boundary-pushing in creating new expressions.
2. First Nations respect & sovereignty - We honour the unceded sovereignty, cultural leadership, and knowledge of First Nations peoples. We commit to deep listening, respectful relationships, and respectful practice.
3. Intentionality - We have purpose and strive for high-quality in everything we do, with care and clarity in our choices.
4. Collaborative - We are inclusive and built on shared leadership and taking care of one another.
5.Progressive - We are socially and artistically progressive - critical, brave, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.
6.Transparency - We are fair, open, and accountable, ensuring clarity and honesty with artists, collaborators, and our community.
Photo by Ghanem Irba