On 10 April, the A. M. Qattan Foundation and eleven performing arts organisations (Popular Art Centre, Al Harah Theatre, Ashtar Theatre, Theatre Day Productions, Yes Theatre, The Freedom Theatre, Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, Al Kamandjati Association, Magnificat Institute, El Funoun Popular Dance Troupe and the Palestinian Circus School) held a launching event for the European Union funded project entitled, "Performing Arts".
This is a two-year project worth more than EUR 1.2 million and will be managed by the A. M. Qattan Foundation.
With an overall objective to contribute to the development of a democratic and pluralistic society that respects human rights and enhances Palestinian national identity, the project will target Palestinian children and youth in imparting among them democratic principles and a conscious awareness of their rights and cultural identity. The specific objective (a reinforced and vibrant performing arts sector in Palestine that engages in diversified cultural expressions) of the action will be achieved by the involvement of numerous groups from the Palestinian society with a particular emphasis on youth and children (males and females ages 6-25) who are the main target groups influencing future democratic processes. These groups will be actively involved in innovative forms of artistic expressions, and active learning processes in music, dance, circus and theatre. Through this engagement, they will exercise their right to freedom of expression, build awareness to their rights, self-confidence and esteem, respect for differences and importance of pluralism, enhancing national identity, and diffusing Palestinian culture locally and internationally.
As a direct impact of this project on the Palestinian cultural scene, the partners of the project have brought together their missions and mandates into a consolidated action with a wide range of interventions, including cementing a viable and sustainable network of organisations in the performing arts, and stimulating constructive dialogue within the society at large, and between local media, civil society and the Palestinian National Authority.