Can Gaza rebuild its arts haven damaged by Israeli bombing?
The Arts and Crafts Village in Gaza City has provided a base for artists for nearly two decades, but after Israel's attack last month, the village needs help rebuilding.
An oasis for artists and artisans, Gaza City’s Arts and Crafts Village is struggling for survival after parts of it were destroyed following Israeli airstrikes on the neighborhood last month. The artists' hopes for reconstruction of the village largely depend on whether they can get international support.
A small haven of traditional Islamic architecture in western Gaza City's al-Remal neighborhood, the Arts and Crafts Village consists of four houses made of red clay. The interior walls and floors are covered with ceramics, and traditional artisanal tools hang on the walls.
The village’s director, Nihad Shakalia, told Al-Monitor: "The village, a cultural center affiliated with the Gaza municipality, aims to preserve Palestinian heritage and artisanry from extinction. It includes four traditional houses, each dedicated to one traditional craft. We have the House of Embroidery, the House of Rugs, the House of Copper and the House of Wood. There is also an exhibition hall, which is active throughout the year with events that showcase Palestinian heritage to local and foreign audiences.”
The village was established in 1999, with funding from the United Nations Development Program. The Gaza municipality presently runs the village on an extremely frugal budget.
