The Arts And The West Bank: A Vibrant Scene

Al Mahatta Gallery

Established by a group of young Palestinian artists, the Al Mahatta gallery opened in 2008 hosting various events, over 25 thus far. Additionally the gallery offers a studio space and workshop for local and international artists. The latest exhibition, Lighting Lamps, was a success with many Palestinians and internationals in attendance. The touring exhibition showcased clever political cartoons from artists from the Middle East and the UK and cartoon shorts created by a local Palestinian cartoonist. Hafez Omar, Project Director and one of the founding members, works tirelessly to ensure the events are well coordinated. The current exhibition Dalaleh is showcasing the visual art pieces of Palestinian artist Ayman Issa.

The Lighting Lamps exhibition at the Al Mahatta Gallery

The Jenin Freedom Theatre

The Jenin Freedom Theatre contributes greatly to the thriving arts and culture scene in the West Bank. The Freedom Theatre, within the Jenin Refugee camp, is the first and only professional full time institution of its kind in the West Bank. The theater’s stated aim “is to empower and give voice to the children of Jenin Refugee Camp through a unique programme of workshops and activities in theatre, supporting arts and multi-media, ranging in their emphasis from the largely therapeutic and healing, to the presentation of high-quality artistic products.”

An international working at the theater likewise explained that the "aim is to give [the children] an opportunity in a safe place to equally express themselves, talk about their problems, develop skills, not only in media or performance but also coping skills", also enabling them to "question the restrictions in their society". She has been witness to their growth and development and noted how proud they become when they perform well. "It’s really nice" she stated gleefully. The latest production, Fragments of Palestine, having completed its showcase in Jenin will be touring Germany for the next six weeks.

The Khalil Al Sakakini Cultural Center

The Khalil Al Sakakini Cultural Center is a beautifully constructed building converted from an old mansion hosting various cultural events in Ramallah. The August 8th showcase offered abstract, experimental music performances by Palestinian artists Dirar Kalash and Tareq Rantissi. Dirar played both the bass and the saxophone while Tareq played percussion instruments. For those familiar with Sun Ra’s eclectic and abstract pieces, it came as no surprise that this American jazz musician is one of Dirar’s musical inspirations in addition to John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, among others. In a correspondence to Palestine Monitor, Dirar stated that his performance was “philosophical/political and connected to fact I’m Palestinian”.

A concert at the Khalil Al Sakakini Cultural Center

Artist Profile: Musician Tareq Rantissi

Tareq Rantissi, 25, is currently studying Hand Percussion at Berkeley University in Boston. He is a long haired, animated individual infused with a passion for life and a love of music. He has been performing for the last 10 years yet began studying music academically when he decided to pursue his studies in the United States. For Tareq “music is a universal language, it’s a way of expressing yourself” it is also "a passion, love, work (and) lifestyle”.

He described the music scene in Ramallah as stronger in the last few years having been improved by institutions offering music programs however, according to Tareq, it is still "under construction". Tareq noted that blockades, checkpoints, and isolation from the Gaza Strip present challenges and obstacles with respect to networking with other artists and instructors.

Tareq’s decision to study oversees is not unique. If capable of doing so many Palestinians would opt to study abroad due to the limitations and lack of opportunities for those living in the Occupied Territories. Tareq recounted his decision to study abroad by explaining that he was largely self taught and played with every musician in the area while also attending music workshops. When Tareq expressed an interest in studying music academically he found that music conservatories were not affordable, yet when it became feasible to attend one there were challenges with the instructor traveling from Haifa. Tareq’s musical development in Palestine thus reached its peak.

"It was time to get more, it just happened to be the U.S.”

Studying abroad presented itself as an option and a talented music professor of Lebanese origin, who is now his music mentor, became his primary motivation to attend Berkeley University.

Upon completion of his studies, Tareq’s intends to return to Palestine to teach and conduct workshops to all the children and others who are willing to learn, providing them with the opportunities he never had.

Tareq expressed that “music is part of the culture, I want to be part of helping Palestinian culture grow”, he also wants to convey the message that “we are not terrorists, we have a culture”. He also plans to continue traveling and performing.

When asked about future performances and where music will take him, he simply responded "wait and see".

The growing arts scene remains a thriving part of an ever-evolving Palestinian culture occurring under and in spite of the harsh realities of Israeli occupation. Inspiring art and music are being made and simultaneously ideas are being expressed; minds are being cultivated; love, rage and beauty are being experienced; the faithful are prostrating in submission to God and one moment at a time people are simply just living.