a lantern festival in Jerusalem
Paper lanterns are easy and cheap to make, they require simple materials using basic handicraft techniques. Put a hundred lit up paper lanterns together and the effect is spectacular. Put a thousand together in a number of parades that go around a city and the effect is magical. The creation of such an artistic event brings communities together as it requires their active participation in terms of their creativity, the organisation of the event and their participation.
The project proposal within a onestate political scenario, outlines the organisation of an annual lantern festival that would take place in the Old City on a fixed date, taking art into the streets and involving the whole community in the creation of the festival.
The proposal is submitted under the symbolic tract as it aims to give the community a sense a pride and project an image for Jerusalem that is positive, youthful and spurs a positive image of the Palestinian community of Jerusalem getting out on the streets, and changing perceptions: (a) for Palestinians of themselves; (b) for Israelis of the Palestinians; and (c) for everybody on how the conflict can develop.
