02-02-2009
As we enter Spring 2009, an unprecedented wave of support from all over the world, including Sweden, Germany, the UK and the USA has ensured that we are now on track to open the new premises of the Gaza Music School at the “Ambulance Building” which belongs to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society during the course of March 2009. The previous premises had been completely destroyed by Israeli bombardment. Following the publication of several articles on the School in the English, Arabic and Swedish press, a number of individuals and associations rallied to support our rebuilding efforts.
In early February, on the fringes of the Cairo Book Fair 2009, Hassan Everywhere by Hassan Hourani, published by the Foundation in 2004, was selected as one of the Ten Best Arabic Illustrated Books for Children as part of the Anna Lindh Foundation's Regional Programme for Developing Children's Literature launched in 2006. A few days later, an extensive exhibition of Hourani's work opened at Darat Al-Funoun in Amman, Jordan supported by the Foundation.
Further progress has been made on negotiations between the UK and PA governments to sign a film co-production treaty. (The Foundation has been mandated by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture to be its principal interlocutor in discussions with UK partners). A number of meetings were held with the UK Film Council, the Department of Culture Media and Sports with the aim of signing the treaty by mid-May 2009. A number of additional initiatives to support distribution and professional education and training are envisaged to supplement the treaty.