This is Palestine — the biggest Palestinian cultural festival ever staged in Dubai, is being held at the Meydan Theatre until March 19. The event, which is showcasing various aspects of Palestinian art and culture, has been organised by Alhoush.com, an e-commerce portal for Arab artists and designers, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, as part of the 2014 UN International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
“Art has the power to change reality. The narrative about Palestine in the media is often linked to violence, occupation and victimhood, but people rarely hear about the tremendous cultural vitality of the Palestinians. This event aims to show a different side of Palestine to the world, and we hope it will be a stepping stone to building a positive national brand. It will also open up new opportunities for young Palestinian artists and designers, who face major logistical challenges in promoting their work,” Ehab Shanti, CEO and founder of Alhoush.com says.
Sayed Aqa, UN Resident Coordinator in the UAE adds, “Culture is one of the central pillars of development. Not only is this event an emblematic example of the new paradigm of development that focuses on empowerment rather than assistance, but it is also a great way for us to commemorate the United Nations 2014 Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.”
The art and design exhibitions include ‘Tracing the Spirit of Jesus’, documenting award-winning photographer Abdulrahim Al Arjan’s year-long journey through the architectural and natural landmarks central to the life story of Christ, highlighting the peaceful co-existence of Islam and Christianity; a display of furniture, jewellery, fashion and accessories by established designers in the diaspora; and works by well-known and emerging painters, photographers, filmmakers and video artists from Gaza. “Our lives are not only blood and destruction. I like to show that under the warplanes, there is love too,” artist Dina Mattar, who lives in a refugee camp in Gaza says.
A highlight of the art exhibitions is a recreation by Suleiman Mansour of his seminal work ‘Jamal Al Mahamel’ portraying a porter carrying Jerusalem on his back. The original painting, which was destroyed in the 1980s, is one of the most iconic paintings in the Arab world. “This painting represents the essence of my artistic journey over the past 50 years. It is emblematic of my identity, my concerns, my struggles and the centrality of Jerusalem to my life,” Mansour says.
The event also features performances by Palestinian band Turab; actress Najla Edward Said, performing excerpts from her off-Broadway play Palestine; Bethlehem’s Diyar Dance Theatre, performing “Out of Place”, inspired by the legendary Edward Said; hip hop artist Boikutt; ‘resistance soul’ by the band 47 Soul; poetry readings and stand-up comedy.
The programme also includes the UAE premieres of feature films Jaffa My City, Goal Dreams, (No) Laughing Matter and Mars at Sunrise, followed by discussions with the directors; as well as a panel discussion on the role of the arts in rebranding the Palestinian national identity.
For more information and tickets, go to www.alhoush.com/palestine
To support the festival’s crowd funding campaign go to www.aflamnah.com/en/this-is-palestine/
