The 8th Annual Speaking Art Conference with Jewish and Arab participants begins today on International Tolerance Day.
70 Jewish and Arab artists, musicians, performers and dancers are taking part in the annual Speaking Arts Conference, which aims to create co-operation, dialog and joint work between Jews and Arabs in the arts. Events, workshops and classes take place at the YMCA Jerusalem, the Beit Masia Theater and Gerard Behar Center, with the opening and closing concert open to the public. The event was initiated by Nadim Shiban of the Jerusalem Foundation and is supported by the Jerusalem Foundation, YMCA Jerusalem and the Jerusalem Intercultural Center.This year, more than 70% of the participants are from Jerusalem with most of the Arab participants from East Jerusalem. According to co-project manager, Hanan Ohana, two thirds of participants are Jewish and one third Arab owing largely to the fact that modern dance is a new phenomenon in the Arab sector. However, the aim going forward is to have a balance of both. Hanan was part of a committee of five who reviewed over 150 artist’s applications to take part in the conference. This year’s event will feature more co-facilitation and will build on relationships that were formed at last year’s conference and meetings during the year.
The opening concert takes place at Beit Masia Theater, and features for the first time on the same stage, critically acclaimed Jewish performers Achinoam Nini better known as Noa and Gili Dor, with Arab dancer Mona Mashi’l. The highlight of the closing concert at the YMCA auditorium is a performance by the talented Arab singer, Amal Murkus.
Full story Via Jpost
