The Visual Arts Forum Opens Its New Branch In The Old City Of Kufr Aqab

The Visual Arts Forum Opens Its New Branch In The Old City Of Kufr Aqab
Kufr Aqab / Jerusalem June 2025

The Visual Arts Forum has inaugurated its new branch in the old city of Kufr Aqab, as part of its mission to expand access to visual arts in marginalized areas. The new location marks a significant addition to the visual arts landscape in Palestine and serves as a strategic step in the Forum’s vision to promote cultural and arts outreach.

Situated in a historically underserved area lacking cultural infrastructure, the center is envisioned as an open, inclusive space—serving the wider Jerusalem periphery, surrounding refugee camps, and the cities of Ramallah and Al-Bireh.

Established in partnership with Riwaq, which has led the restoration of the old city of Kufr Aqab as part of its broader “Lifeline” program, the new branch is housed in a renovated heritage area now repurposed as a vibrant cultural hub.

The branch will operate as a vocational and educational center, offering training programs in ceramics, sculpture, mosaic, stained glass, and silver jewelry design, under the Forum’s flagship program “Economic Empowerment of Youth through Arts.” In addition, it will host creative workshops, artist residencies, discussion forums, and a gallery space showcasing the works of both emerging and established artists.

In her opening remarks, the Forum’s Director, Deema Ershaid, stated: “This branch is a free and welcoming space for the local community, artists, and anyone passionate about the arts. It’s a place for learning, experimentation, dialogue, and expression. We believe that art is not a luxury, but a societal and human necessity; a means to build awareness, strengthen identity, tell our stories, and create sustainable livelihoods.”

The launch event featured an exhibition showcasing over 60 artworks produced by students enrolled in the Forum’s academic art track at the School of Visual Arts. Art works included paintings in acrylic, oil, watercolor, and collage, reflecting their artistic development during the past 5 months.

Official speakers at the opening emphasized the cultural significance of the center.; the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Mr. Saleh Tawafsha, highlighted the importance of cultural heritage preservation through the restoration of historic buildings and their transformation into dynamic community spaces. Dr. Sadiq Al-Khodour, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, emphasized the educational value of visual arts and affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships with specialized cultural institutions—especially in marginalized areas. Mayor of Kufr Aqab, Mr. Imad Awad, welcomed the center as part of the municipality’s broader plan to activate the old city as a hub for culture, education, and social engagement. Ms. Wafa Abu Ghalmeh, Director of Fine Arts at the Ministry of Culture, underlined the importance of such initiatives in strengthening Palestine’s cultural scene and making the arts more accessible as a means of expression, particularly under the current challenging conditions.

This new branch represents the realization of a long-held dream and the continued pursuit of the Forum’s founding vision since 2002: that art is a right for all, a tool for empowerment and self-expression, and a vital bridge between creativity and community.

The Visual Arts Forum extends its sincere thanks to the Kufr Aqab Municipality for dedicating space in the historic old town, to Riwaq for their restoration efforts, to the Muna & Basem Hishmeh Foundation for their foundational support, and to the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development for furnishing the space.