Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research facts for kids
The Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research is a special place in Bethlehem, Palestine. It's a center for art, learning, culture, and even farming. It was started in 2014 by Emily Jacir, with Annemarie Jacir and Yusuf Nasri Jacir as co-founders. The center is located in their family's old home, which was built in the late 1880s. Emily Jacir is the Director, and Aline Khoury is the Program Manager.
Where is Dar Jacir?
The center is located in Area A of the West Bank, near Bethlehem. This area is a major route between Hebron and Jerusalem. The Separation Wall, a large barrier, is also close by, about 600 feet away.
What Happens at Dar Jacir?
Dar Jacir is a busy place where artists, writers, musicians, and researchers can visit the West Bank. Since it opened, it has welcomed many international artists. Some famous visitors include Cuban-American artist Coco Fusco and British-Palestinian novelist Isabella Hammad. Others like Michael Rakowitz, Nicolas Jaar, Trevor Paglen, and Sam Durant have also stayed there. They come as part of a special program that started in 2018, where artists can live and work at the center for a while.
A Difficult Time
During a difficult time in 2021, a field next to the center was burned. A few days later, the owners reported that the center itself was entered. They said that things inside were damaged. They also reported that some of their equipment, like phones, computers, and cameras, was taken.
Helping Dar Jacir
After the incident, people started an online fundraising campaign. They wanted to raise money to fix the damage and replace the lost equipment. In just two days, they raised $25,000! By June, the amount reached $30,000. The goal is to raise $50,000 to help restore the Urban Farm on the property. This money will also help make sure the center can continue its important activities in the future.
Sources
- Forensic Architecture (20 August 2021). "Our art deals with real injustices, some in Palestine: no wonder we faced opposition". The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/20/art-real-injustices-palestine-manchester-exhibition-forensic-artchitecture.
- "West Bank Arts Center Dar Jacir Ransacked". Artforum. 18 May 2021. https://www.artforum.com/news/west-bank-arts-center-dar-jacir-ransacked-85742.
