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Project Proposals:
Calls for Cooperation, Sponsors and Donors
Proposal for European-wide Activities during 2008
‘60 Years Nakba’
Aurora (auromundo@hotmail.com)
Netherlands Palestine Committee - NPK
Within the framework of activities to take place throughout 2008 in commemoration of ’60 Years Nakba’, following are three proposals for joint projects which could possibly be realized on a European level. As this would involve coordination between organizations in a number of different countries, hopefully some of you may be interested in collaborating.
Two factors lead to this idea:
1) Having recently spent a year in Syria and Lebanon, primarily in the Palestinian Refugee Camps, close contact was developed with a diversity of organizations and individuals actively involved in social projects within the Camps and committed to the Palestinian struggle for justice - with a main focus on (the rights of) the Palestinian Refugees.
The contacts established particularly include youth and professional artists, lending itself to the idea of focusing on activities within the context of ’60 Years Nakba’ in which they could be represented:
· Exposition of Palestinian Art
· Exposition of the Palestinian Cultural Heritage
· European Tour of Palestinian Youth from the Camps
A particular advantage of these projects is the opportunity they would provide to reach out to sectors of the public who are generally not involved, and in many cases ill-informed, of the plight of the Palestinian people and particularly that of the Refugees.
The projects mentioned above are obviously ambitious both in terms of logistics as well as the necessary budget. Given that they are projects which lend themselves to a broad presentation, and in view of the efforts required for their success, it would therefore seem logical / necessary to pursue the possibility of their realization on a European level.
2) A second factor, which could possibly serve as a framework in which to realize such projects, is the fact that there will be an ESF in September 2008. Through the opportunity provided by the ESF, we could envision including these projects among the Forum’s Palestine activities, taking further advantage of the presence of the participants and material in Europe, by linking it to a European tour previous to (or following?) the ESF.
In other words, killing 2 birds with one stone, as some organizations will most likely put efforts into the ESF anyway. So with a bit of additional effort we could present these projects in various countries and include them in the ESF.
Following is an initial concept for realization of the projects. It is far from complete and would need to be further developed. In addition, a number of logistical factors are listed which would have to be considered in taking on such task.
Exposition of Contemporary (Post-Nakba) Palestinian Art from the Diaspora
Background
Prior to 1948, the fine arts were not a predominant element of Palestinian society and were certainly in no comparison to the major role played by other popular cultural expressions such as music and dance, as well as the broad diversity of handcrafts mastered throughout centuries. However, following the Nakba, a new and promising Palestinian art movement began to emerge, with Ismail Shammout, broadly considered the father of contemporary Palestinian art, as one of its primary pioneers. Palestinian artists, both from within occupied Palestine and the diaspora, developed a unique style of their own, consisting of what could be considered a ‘fusion’ between traditional Arabic motifs and surrealistic contemporary art forms, in an array of bright, intensive colors. However, in conjunction with the impressive combination of motifs and color, post-Nakba Palestinian art is particularly characterized by the themes expressed, portraying an explicit Palestinian identity and sentiment: the Nakba, occupation, repression, resistance, Israeli attacks on civilians, the strive for freedom, incarceration, martyrdom, life in the Camps, hopes and fears, and scenes from Palestinian daily life.
Although Palestinian art has won extensive appreciation across the Arab world, here in the west, very few are even aware of its existence. Palestinians are generally stereotyped either as fighters or as helpless victims, poverty-stricken and/or camp-dwellers. Little is known of the many positive aspects of Palestinian society, or about Palestinian art and culture. The network of contacts among artists in the Camps which now exists, presents a unique opportunity to organize an exposition of Palestinian artwork which could be exhibited in rotation among a number of European countries.
The professional quality of the work which could be considered, justifies its exhibition in high-profile museums or galleries, in contrast to the small-scale or alternative-type centers where most of us normally hold activities, and would therefore be accessible to a broad public, as opposed to being limited to reduced circles of people already familiar with the Palestinian situation. Not only would this expose the public to positive and artistic aspects of Palestinian culture, but many of the themes portrayed would also provide insights into the lot of the Palestinian nation and the terrible injustice it has suffered.
Exhibition of the Palestinian Heritage
Background
In contrast to the visual arts, handcrafts, encompassing a wide range of techniques and materials, are deeply imbedded in Palestinian tradition. Aside from their artistic value, they serve as a testimony to the longstanding Palestinian Cultural Heritage - a Heritage which zionism has systematically attempted to erase from the pages of history but has been kept alive in spite of the years under occupation and in the diaspora, and generations later is still cherished as the core of the Palestinian identity.
Furthermore, various photo collections, including both pre-Nakba material and photos taken between 1948 and 1967, portray personal family scenes along with accounts of war, occupation and the Nakba itself, providing further imagery of Palestinian daily life prior to 1948 as well as the events leading up to and following the twice-fold displacement of the Palestinian people.
In an attempt to raise awareness of the rich Palestinian Cultural Heritage among the European public, as well as the disastrous events resulting in occupation and exile, we hope to organize a touring exposition composed of a selection of some of the foremost Palestinian crafts (embroidery, wood carvings, jewelry, metal work, etc.) alongside with photo images reflecting daily life in pre-Nakba Palestine and the historical events which followed.
A number of contacts are already in place in order to obtain the material, and others are presently being pursued:
· The Palestinian Heritage Center (Bethlehem, Palestine)
· A historical collection of pre-Nakba embroidered Palestinian dresses (Amman. Jordan)
· An extensive collection of items assembled in a recent exposition (Aleppo, Syria)
European Tour of Palestinian Youth from the Camps
Background
One of the notable factors which characterizes life in the Palestinian Refugee Camps (particularly in Syria for a number of reasons too long to go into here) is the active political and social engagement of a significant sector of the youth - both in initiatives by and for the youth themselves, as well as in a diversity of political and social Centers in which youth are among the active participants.
Their generalized political awareness, although primarily focused on Palestinian struggle (with a particular emphasis on the Right of Return) is however, not exclusively limited to Palestinian issues, but demonstrates deeper insights into the underlying causes of injustice and the link between other situations around the world and their own.
Interwoven in their political activism and social engagement within the community, is a climate of cultural and artistic expression in a variety of fields, including music, theater, a range of visual arts, photography, film and digital art forms. Although their roots are clearly embedded in Palestinian culture and tradition, they eagerly seek to attain (and exchange) knowledge about art and music in other parts of the world - both western and non-western, with a particular affiliation to African and Latin American art and music, 60’s+70’s western music (in part due to the political / social message contained) and some forms of jazz. Both artistically as in their vanguard role within society, they seek to attain a healthy balance between broadening their outlook on life, culture and ideas, and value for their Palestinian cultural identity.
In various Centers in the Camps, young people organize / participate in workshops to improve their skills and in some cases also dedicate those skills to activities and workshops for children. Some creative young people even succeed in exercising their talents professionally - particularly those experienced in digital art forms such as film and animation.
Aside from activities within the community, many youth groups are also involved on an international level, including organizing international summer programs in the Camps, in which cultural exchange and fun are combined with raising awareness about Palestinian Rights, Right of Return and international law, among the foreign visitors. Through contacts with European (youth) organizations, they frequently participate in youth exchange projects, in which quite a few have traveled abroad on a number of occasions and have become experienced in speaking (some in outstanding English) about issues such as Palestinian Refugee Rights, international law and life in the Camps as (young) Refugees.
The aim of a ‘European Tour of Palestinian Youth from the Camps’ could encompass two main focuses:
· Bringing European youth into contact with their counterparts from the Palestinian Refugee Community
· Connecting Palestinian youth living in Europe with their peers from the Camps
Most European youth have little or no conception of the hardships and lack of future perspectives facing their peers in parts of the world which suffer from war, occupation and other forms of disaster, and cannot conceive of what it is to grow up experiencing a sense of victimization, repression and injustice or imagine what life is like as a Refugee.
Between political circumstances and a lack of resources at home and in the Camps, Palestinians often feel that they have been robbed of their childhood and youth, having to confront themselves with the hardships of reality from an early age.
Whereas due to their situation, Palestinian youth demonstrate a striking political awareness and general knowledge of major issues facing the world, the focus of much of their generation in European is largely concentrated on material well-being, with little or no interest in / knowledge of the world around them.
Obviously this is a mere generalization, as throughout Europe there are also active groups of youth in many different fields, including political parties, student groups and in relation to a variety of other political / social issues.
Although a Palestinian Youth Tour should be directed towards facilitating contact with as broad a spectrum of youth as possible, particular effort could also be made to connect the young Palestinians with European youth actively involved in political and social organizations, for the purpose of promoting solidarity and the possible prospect of future collaboration.
A tour of Palestinian youth would serve to raise awareness among their European counterparts about the situation of the Palestinian people, with a particular focus on the situation of the youth. Among the issues which could be addressed are:
· Historical background / the Nakba
· General situation inside occupied Palestine as well as in the diaspora
· Rights of the Palestinian people in accordance with international law
· With a particular focus on the Right of Return
· Life and prospects for youth in the Camps
Aside from organized informative activities, time could also be allotted for leisure and the opportunity to meet informally, have fun together, possibly go out, listen to music and discuss issues in relation to each others lives. This could hopefully further serve to create a sense of connection and mutual understanding.
In additional to providing information, ways could also be sought to promote solidarity among young Europeans, including the possible creation of a Palestinian-European youth network in which they could maintain contact and organize future activities of their own, in light of raising awareness and cultural exchange.
The second aim of a youth tour would focus on enhancing the Palestinian identity among Palestinian youth in Europe and facilitate a bond with their peers from the Refugee Camps.
This idea was partially inspired by the concept behind a summer youth camp held annually in Syria (similar camps are also held in Lebanon, however due to the recent situation continuation is uncertain).
Participants are selected from a diversity of Camps across Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and the West Bank / Gaza, providing young Palestinians from the four major countries of residence the opportunity meet, gain insight into the circumstances in which the others live and discuss issues of common concern as Palestinians. Due to substantial differences in the conditions under which Palestinians live in each of the four countries, their outlook and future perspectives can widely vary. However, on a deeper level there is a strong binding factor experienced by all: the Palestinian identity, a shared common heritage and the aspiration to live together as a unified people.
The camp combines cultural activities, sport and fun, with serious working sessions aimed at exchanging thoughts and ideas about issues inherent to the Palestinian identity and struggle for freedom. Goodbyes at the end of the Camp are highly emotional, given the specific Palestinian context of ‘forced separation’ and the uncertainty for the future, particularly of those living in occupied Palestine given their exposure to Israeli attacks, and more recently also of those living in Lebanon. However, of the friendships that develop during the course of the camp, many remain in long-term contact.
Within a similar concept (although not in the form of a camp) the idea would be to bring Palestinian youth from the Refugee Camps together with young Palestinians in a variety of European countries in order to share ideas, gain insights into each others lives and reinforce their common identity. In each location, focused meetings could be held for discussion on relevant common issues, altered with informal cultural and recreational activities.
In addition, the visiting youth could possibly even be accommodated in the homes of participants, providing them with a greater opportunity to interact and strengthen the bond with one another.
As a further thought, and extension of the contact which would be established, in a second phase a possible reciprocation might be considered, in which the young Palestinians in European could visit their new friends in the Camps. Particularly given the experience in the Camps with organizing international projects and hosting participating foreign guests, they could conceivably elaborate a project aimed towards introducing Palestinian youth from Europe to life in the Camps.
Preferably, such a tour could also be linked with the ESF in order to maximize the delegation’s presence in Europe. Among other possible means of participation which could be contemplated, an initial consideration could be to dedicate a seminar specifically to youth from the Camps, presenting them with an opportunity to address a broad European public.
Logistics
Pre-condition for Realization
· In order to further pursue any or all of the projects highlighted in this proposal, the first precondition which must be in place is that per project a number of organizations would be interested in collaborating. It would probably take a minimum of 3 organizations per project to ‘pull the cart’, depending, in part, on the capacity of each organization.
This group would assume the overall coordination of the projects and maintain contact with the local groups facilitating the projects in each of their own countries.
· In principle, each project could only be realized in countries where an organization is willing to assume responsibility for the logistics in their own country. This would of course require coordination with the central coordinating group. Further, they would need to seek appropriate locations if they are interested in hosting one or both of the expositions.
For the youth tour, contact would need to be established with one or more local youth group / youth centers and/or other entities which include participation of youth.
As most of the youth organizations in the Camps have their own contacts in a number of countries, in some countries it may be possible that they assume responsibility for part or all of the logistics and/or funding.
Finances
· Obviously, most of our organizations do not have the capacity to finance such ambitious projects on our own.
This means that a number of sponsors must be found.
The primary responsibility to seek funders for the overall project would rest with the central coordinating group. However, each organization interested in hosting one or more of the projects in their country, could hopefully seek ways to contribute some portion of the funds required, either through their own means and/or by seeking funders.
· If we succeed in securing high-profile museums and/or major galleries to host the expositions, this would most likely have the additional advantage that they themselves would assume responsibility for transportation of the material, therefore bearing the brunt of the logistics as well as the expenses.
Consequently, although they appear to be major projects, IF we can get appropriate institutions on board, our task would primarily be limited to that of coordination and the institutions would facilitate the rest themselves.
In addition, if it were to be presented it as a European-wide tour, this would further raise its profile, offer greater opportunities for its promotion and hopefully also increase access to major funders.
· In relation to the tour of Palestinian youth, not only is it conceivable that their contacts in Europe may be able assist in facilitating logistics for the project, they may possibly also be willing/able to provide (partial) funding - particularly in the case of some of the larger NGO’s. The Palestinians could probably discuss this with them directly.
Also, as the Palestinian youth are invited to one or more European countries with relative frequency, this could possibly provide an opportunity to ‘hitchhike’ in the event that such an occasion presents itself.
Photo material
· During the London meeting on 06+07/10 a digital version of artwork from a variety of Palestinian artists will be available for anyone interested, in order to provide an impression the kind of work which could be considered for an exhibition. That does not mean that all the same pieces would necessarily be included, nor that all the same artists would be represented. But it would give a general idea of the style and quality involved and some of the artists whose work we could consider.
ESF
In view of our intentions for a loud voice to be heard across Europe throughout 2008 in commemoration of ’60 Years Nakba’, it is indeed fortunate that the ESF is to be held precisely in that year - an opportunity which we should maximize!
In addition to the prospect of including the proposals discussed here, it may be wise to begin contemplating further ESF activities far in advance in an attempt to stage an unprecedented Palestinian presence with the Nakba being the central theme. As an initial brainstorm, following are a number of preliminary ideas which may be worth considering:
· Presentation of the three projects put forward here, including a seminar dedicated to youth in the Camps
· Exposition paintings of children’s from the Camps (contacts are in place)
· Exposition / presentation of artistic productions of youth: film, photo, music, visual art (contacts are in place)
· A ‘Nakba Space’ with a broad diversity of political and cultural activities (‘decorated’ with the various expositions)
· High-profile plenary or meeting to highlight the Nakba, ongoing occupation of historical Palestine and Refugee Rights
· An extensive film-discussion program to focus on 60 years of Israeli aggression and the plight of the Refugees
· Palestinian music program (voluntary participation of Palestinian musicians living in Europe?)
· Production of a ‘Nakba special’ bulletin to diffuse throughout the Forum
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Aurora (auromundo@hotmail.com)
Netherlands Palestine Committee - NPK
Note: The proposals put forward are of my own initiative as a result of contacts in the Camps of Syria/Lebanon and are as of yet not endorsed as NPK projects. At this stage my initial purpose is to see if there are organizations who may be interested in collaborating.
