Meet the artist-activity leaders
We are working with a network of artists across Gaza to run arts and play activities for thousands of displaced and traumatised children.
Even in these darkest of times, Gaza is full of creativity, talent and culture. Workshops and activities, run by artists through our partner Shababeek Centre for Contemporary Art, are helping to remind children of the joy in play and the hope in life. “The Gaza I know is full of life…it is not just black and white,” says Maysaa Yousef, an artist-activity leader.
Find out more about the artists leading activities below.
Basel
Basel is a founding member of Shababeek for Contemporary Art, which has acted as a hub for artists in Gaza for almost two decades. Its premises and all artworks inside were completely destroyed by the Israeli Defence Forces. Read Basel’s blog about art in wartime here.
Dergham
Dergham is a visual artist and student of interior design and decoration. His work has been exhibited in many local and international exhibitions, and he has experience as an art facilitator for children and as a games animator.
Jihad
Jihad studied art at the University College of Applied Sciences and works as a visual arts producer. Her art explores themes of identity.
Majed
Majed has a Master of Arts from Scranton University, USA and is a founding member of Shababeek for Contemporary Arts and a member of the Palestinian Artists Association.
Maysaa
Maysaa studied art at Gaza’s only fine arts program at Al-Azhar University. Her work has featured in several local and international exhibitions. Read more about Maysaa here.
Mohammad
Mohammad trained in Art Education at al-Aqsa University, Gaza, and has a diploma in graphic design from the UNRWA Gaza Training Centre. He is a member of the Palestinian Visual Artists Union and the Palestinian Plastic Arts Association.
Mona
Mona also trained at al-Aqsa University, Gaza. She is currently leading activities for children at schools that are sheltering displaced families. See more from her workshops here.
Mustafa
Mustafa is an interior designer and artist from Gaza.
Shareef
Shareef is another founding member of Shababeek for Contemporary Art, a visual artist and photographer. He is currently based between Turkey and Europe and is helping to coordinate artists who are in Gaza to run activities.
This fantastic group of creatives are true heroes. They bring moments of hope and play to children through ingenuity and resilience. Thank you, Basel, Dergham, Jihad, Majed, Maysaa, Mohammed, Mona, Mustafa, Shareef. We are honoured to work with you.
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