Unleashing the Power of Palestinian Art: Help Sabreen Association Preserve Its Cultural Space in Jerusalem
The Challenge:
Art is an indispensable tool for Palestinians to celebrate and safeguard our rich culture. However, Palestinian artists face a daunting challenge in finding suitable spaces to express their craft. This struggle is especially pronounced for artists and cultural organizations in Jerusalem, who encounter numerous restrictions and limited freedom of movement, hindering collaborations with musicians from the West Bank and Gaza.
In the past few years, the culture sector has endured additional obstacles, with the spread of COVID-19 causing a loss of support and funding. Moreover, the high cost of living in Jerusalem further compounds the difficulties. While occasional support for cultural institutions exists, it often comes with strings attached, curbing artistic freedom and forcing compliance with donor agendas and demands.
These pressures have strained Sabreen's ability to continue its vital work and meet the demands of high operational costs. Promised funding and support from official Palestinian sources have failed to materialize, exacerbating the situation.
For almost four decades, Sabreen has been a beacon of inspiration, nurturing artists, musicians, students, and countless others. Sabreen must remain rooted in its headquarters in Sheikh Jarrah, Jerusalem.
The Solution:
Sabreen's work is distinct and arduous, making it increasingly challenging to establish and sustain a successful platform in the market. Despite resourcefulness and adaptability, Sabreen has reached a point where much-needed funding has been delayed or put on hold due to the repercussions of COVID-19. These setbacks have made it exceptionally difficult for Sabreen to cover running costs and maintain its presence in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Our goal is to ensure Sabreen retains and safeguards its current location, continuing to support Palestinian youth and providing them with a crucial platform to create alternative art. Especially in the past year, art has been undervalued and marginalized as non-essential. Many Palestinian artists have struggled to sustain their careers due to limited opportunities and resources. Additionally, there is a prevailing culture of favoring artists who have participated in mainstream shows like "Arab Idol," neglecting those who forge their unique paths. Sabreen's objective is to support alternative artists who explore diverse avenues in their art, challenging societal norms and addressing important issues.
Sabreen has always championed alternative art and artists, underscoring the transformative power of music. Our primary goal is to expand Palestine's network and establish connections worldwide within the realm of music, nurturing and amplifying the work of alternative artists, while facilitating productions and fostering collaborations under our production hub.
Current Sabreen Projects:
Despite the challenging years we've faced, Sabreen has admirably persevered, sustaining its work. We currently have ongoing projects, but they are insufficient to cover Sabreen's debts, which pose a threat to our operational costs. Presently, Sabreen is diligently working to secure funding from various sources, including this crowdfunding campaign, to support the organization's endeavors.
Click here for a list of current and past Sabreen projects.
How You Can Help:
We have launched this crowdfunding campaign to raise $30,000. Please contribute to the campaign if you are able, and share it with your friends and family. If you are unable to donate, kindly share this campaign with at least 2-3 people! Every action makes a difference.
If you encounter any issues with online donations, please contact us at [email protected] to arrange an offline donation.
Preserving our Cultural Legacy:
Maintaining our current space in Sheikh Jarrah is of utmost importance. For over two decades, countless Palestinian musicians and artists have crossed paths, recorded music, conducted workshops and projects, and hosted events and jam sessions in this space. Help us preserve this rich history and empower its continued growth. Together, let us build