Newly launched Em Sherif Art Foundation Gives Lebanese Creators a Spotlight Around the World
Renowned for its award-winning cuisine and elegant dining experiences, Em Sherif is now extending its celebration of Lebanese culture beyond the plate. With the launch of the Em Sherif Art Foundation, the family-owned brand introduces a new platform dedicated to championing Lebanese artists and fostering a deeper connection between art, food, and design.
Spearheaded by Sherif Hayek, Curator of the Em Sherif Art Foundation, the initiative was founded by Chef Mireille Hayek and her brother, CEO Dani Chakour. While Sherif brings his background in art history to shape the foundation’s cultural direction, Mireille and Dani continue to lead the culinary and operational success behind Em Sherif’s 24 restaurants across 12 global cities. Together, they share a vision to amplify Lebanese creativity through meaningful cultural programming around the world.
Potato Portraits, 2025, by Ziad Antar, captured at Em Sherif Café Paris.
The idea for the foundation came to life as part of a broader commitment to elevate Lebanese culture, a mission rooted in Em Sherif’s ethos of hospitality and creativity. With a personal collection of over 600 artworks, Dani Chakour’s passion for contemporary art laid the groundwork for this initiative, which now gives back to the creative community by offering visibility and opportunity on an international stage.
Seamlessly merging cuisine, design, and art, the foundation transforms each Em Sherif location into a multi-sensory journey. Upon entering the restaurant, diners are presented with three menus: a food menu, a drinks menu, and an Art Menu. This integration invites guests not only to savor authentic Lebanese dishes but also to engage with the evolving story of contemporary Lebanese art.
Mireille Hayek.
This new venture reimagines Em Sherif restaurants as cultural hubs; spaces where food, design, and art coexist and where Lebanese artists can engage with diverse communities, contribute to international cultural conversations, and strengthen their global presence.
The foundation’s first major international activation launched at Em Sherif Café in Paris in February 2025, debuting with the work of Lebanese photographer Ziad Antar, whose reflective practice centers on memory, impermanence, and historical nuance. His work has been featured in major institutions including the Centre Georges Pompidou, the British Museum, and the Aïshti Foundation.
Whether it’s Lebanese diners abroad seeking a connection to home, or international guests discovering Lebanon through a new lens, the foundation adds a transformative layer to the Em Sherif experience; one that honors tradition while opening new dimensions for storytelling, cultural dialogue, and artistic exchange.
“As one of the founders of Em Sherif Group and the Em Sherif Art Foundation, I believe in the power of art to foster cultural appreciation. Our mission is to champion Lebanese artistry by providing a platform where talented artists can showcase their work within our restaurants worldwide. This initiative not only enriches the dining experience but also creates opportunities for Lebanese artists to engage with new audiences and contribute meaningfully to the cultural dialogue in each city we touch”, says Dani Chakour, CEO of Em Sherif and Co-Founder of Em Sherif Art Foundation.
Sherif Hayek.
“Art has always been part of my life – I studied it, worked in galleries, and began collecting early on. At the same time, I’ve always been inspired by what my family built with Em Sherif. When my uncle Dani suggested creating an art foundation, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring these two worlds together. The Em Sherif Art Foundation is a non-profit initiative dedicated to promoting Lebanese artists on a global scale. Just as Em Sherif celebrates Lebanon through food, generosity, and hospitality, the foundation shares our culture through creativity and art”, adds Sherif Hayek, Curator of Em Sherif Art Foundation.
Kiev, 2024, by Ziad Antar, captured at Em Sherif Café Paris.
The Em Sherif Art Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Lebanese artists and talents. Its mission is to provide a platform for Lebanese talent, to showcase their work in Em Sherif restaurants worldwide. Through these collaborations, the foundation aims to increase visibility for artists while fostering a greater awareness for Lebanese art and culture.
The foundation envisions a world where Lebanese artists are celebrated and supported on a global stage. By partnering with Em Sherif restaurants and locations across the globe, the foundation seeks to create opportunities for artists to reach new audiences, thereby contributing to the cultural dialogue in each city while giving back to the artists directly.