August 2009: Festival BeShekel Newsletter
Festival BeShekel’s wraps up another successful summer       21,000 people attended the three festivals in periphery Israel enjoying a community cultural experience in Gilboa, Jerusalem`s neighborhood Katamonim, and Lod. Each festival was produced in cooperation with the Cultural Leaders group made up of local youth, led by the organization`s peer mentors, and in cooperation with the local council or municipality. It was a thrilling experience to see cultural Jewish-Arab cooperation come to life for the first time in those communities.   Each festival was a happening for the whole family. At the beginning of the night, young children and parents enjoyed creative workshops, drum circles and "Loftgisheft" street theater. During the remainder of the evening, everyone enjoyed the performances put on by the best local and national talents.       On 30 June, the Festival took place in Harod Spring National Park in Gilboa, 2009`s first Festival BeShekel. About 9,000 people enjoyed the spectacular festival for the affordable coast of a symbolic one Shekel. The event in Gilboa was our first ever Jewish-Arab Festival. It was a tremendous success, drawing one of our biggest audiences ever.     On 6 July, the Festival took place in Jerusalem`s Katamonim neighborhood, at the Elmaliach Park. About 7,000 attended the event. Artistic Director Shaanan Streett noted "The festivals bring a family atmosphere and allow everyone to participate. I saw three different generations enjoying the event, having walked in from nearby buildings and homes."     On 8 July, the final Festival took place in the municipal Gandhi Park, in Lod. Some 6,000 people attended the festival, produced together with the "Cultural Leaders" group - Jewish and Arab youth from Lod.   Culture for the people!	THANKS: Warm and special thanks to all the youth who made amazing accomplishments, and who will continue to lead culture in their communities next year! Sincere, heart-felt gratitude to all our donors who made Festival BeShekel possible this year:   § European Union, § Beracha Foundation, § Schusterman Foundation, § Jerusalem Foundation, § Authority for  Development in the Negev and Galilee, § Cultural Department, § Mifgashim Givavt-Haviva, § Teva  § Marvell § Slifka Foundation And of course to the Gilboa Regional Council, the Municipality of Lod, and the Municipality of Jerusalem.  2010:   We will continue to work next year in the periphery of Israel, strengthening the communities through cultural production, and ensuring that culture is a right for all. Thank you to everyone who took part in summer 2009 events! See you next year!   Do you want to support our work?   For Donations and support of all kinds, please contact Noa Gilo, 0543297891 noa@beshekel.org.il Contact Us Festival BeShekel (NGO #58-039-056-5) 28355POBox   Jerusalem 91283 Israel   Phone: 972-2-6257862 Fax: 972-153-2-6257862 E-mail: Executive Director: Einat Gomel Project Manager: Nir Pereg Resource Director: Noa Gilo Producer: Carmi Wurtman Website: www.beshekel.org.il