Through the joint effort of two Palestinian organizations, a new program is bringing contemporary art where it has never gone before. An artist-in-residency program co-sponsored by Riwaq and the Abdel Mohsen Qattan Foundation will enable the residents of the conservative West Bank town of al-Dahriya, south of Hebron, to paint, produce a short film, make puppets and take part in a number of other creative activities.

In al-Dahriya's historic old town, the ruins of a Roman fort point to the past strategic importance of its location and its role as a defense outpost as well as a hub of commerce between Hebron and the Negev. Some of its historical monuments, such as the old market and surrounding buildings, were renovated by Riwaq — Centre for Architectural Conservation, which aims to protect Palestine's architectural and archaeological heritage.

After the renovations, Riwaq partnered with the Ramallah-based Abdel Mohsen Qattan Foundation to highlight art and culture in the town through the Artist Residencies Trail. The program, which began in March, will bring seven Palestine-based artists to al-Dahriya, one after the other, for week-long stays at the historic al-Dahriya Guesthouse, a piece of Palestinian heritage restored by Riwaq in 2016.

Riwaq co-director Shatha Safi told Al-Monitor that after Riwaq finished its work on the guesthouse, the municipality provided the supplies and services required to accommodate visitors and tourists. Riwaq wanted to inaugurate use of the building with a program that would bring the local population into contact with the arts and attract cultural and intellectual investment for the city.