Muslala

THE MUSLALA PROJECT IS ABOUT CREATING PUBLIC ART WITHIN AND BETWEEN JERUSALEM’S MANY BORDERS Muslala is a nonprofit organization established in 2009 by artists, residents, and community activists of the Muslala neighborhood in Jerusalem. The organization, which is based in the Clal Building, runs art exhibitions, urban “art-tracks”, guided tours, and art workshops. It has additionally opened an active meeting and study center, as well as an exhibition space. Muslala wishes to produce a new model that combines artistic activity with a social orientation. Most of the activities take place outdoors in the public realm and have a widespread impact that extends beyond East and West Jerusalem. THE VISION The Muslala Group operates on the premise that the power of art and creativity can alter ways of thinking and the conduct of both society and the individuals that constitute it. The work we do is meant to promote the transformation of Jerusalem into an open and creative society in which every person is enabled to express and fulfill himself or herself. We believe that art is the only multi-cultural and international language, and thus must be made accessible; it is a communicative and key tool in establishing effective dialogue between people, groups, communities, and nations. ACTIVITY The Muslala Group offers a platform for artists from various fields to work and create in Jerusalem. The emphasis is on the creation of art in the public domain and on maintaining an open dialogue with local communities. We generate activities throughout the year as we believe that deep change stems from continuous and constant action – like planting and then tenderly cultivating a seed that grows into a tree laden with fruit. Muslala is community of artists and craftspeople who live and thrive on the rich soil of Jerusalem. Our goal is to nurture and grow a sustainable and flexible community which is sensitive and enables meaningful connections between one and oneself, one and his community, and one and the Earth. Muslala is a greenhouse for initiatives that take place at the intersection of art, society, and sustainability. We believe art and creativity have the power to make a sustainable change; we question the role of social art and the artist, both within the urban space in general and Jerusalem in particular. Our arms are open and our heart is beating.