“Dear Diary”: Mid East Art Invites You to Share the Stories That Stay With You

Some stories never make the headlines.

They are found in the quiet rhythm of everyday life—a familiar scent drifting through an old neighborhood, a conversation with a stranger that lingers in memory, the comfort of a place that always feels like home, or a fleeting moment that unexpectedly changes the way we see the world.

Recognizing the beauty of these intimate experiences, Mid East Art has launched an inspiring open call titled Dear Diary, inviting people from across the Middle East to contribute their personal stories in either English or Arabic.

Unlike traditional literary competitions that often seek polished narratives or dramatic events, Dear Diary celebrates authenticity. It encourages writers to embrace the ordinary, reminding us that even the smallest moments can carry profound emotional weight.

The initiative envisions a collective journal of memories—an evolving archive composed of personal reflections, observations, fragments of everyday life, and moments that continue to resonate long after they have passed. Whether your story centers on a family tradition, an unexpected encounter, a cherished memory, or a quiet realization, every voice has a place within this shared collection.

Selected submissions will become part of Mid East Art's ongoing Dear Diary series, preserving these personal narratives as a testament to the diverse experiences, cultures, and emotions that shape life across the region.

At a time when so much attention is focused on major events and breaking news, Dear Diary gently reminds us that history is also written through individual lives. The simple moments we often overlook today may become the memories future generations value most.

If you have a story that has stayed with you—a moment that refuses to fade—this is an opportunity to share it with a wider community and contribute to a growing archive of human experience.

Sometimes, the quietest stories are the ones that endure the longest.

You can submit your story via this link