The HOPE Foundation presents in INBOX several series of artworks by children from Gaza.
The series Before & Now shows artworks created by young people from Khan Younis (a city in the south of the Gaza Strip) about their dreams in August 2023. Since the events of 7 October 2023 and their aftermath, the meaning of these works has changed completely. One year later, the same children, if reachable, created new artworks. The works offer insight into the effects of the genocide on the mental state of children in Gaza. The project is an initiative of HOPE Foundation and the collective Palettes of Palestine.
This presentation also includes a series of works created with art teacher Ali, affiliated with HOPE Foundation. For his Genocidal Gaps (2024), he spoke with children about what they miss most. Through photographs of their surroundings, he uses art to help the children tell their stories.
Holland Office for Personal Encouragement (HOPE) was established over thirty years ago in collaboration with the Red Crescent (PRCS) in Khan Younis. It began with the creation of the Open Studio, where twelve teachers and a mix of children with trauma, with and without disabilities, found a safe base and were able to shape their world through artistic projects. Over the years, HOPE expanded with six permanent projects and many occasional projects and creative summer camps.
Since October 2023, the world has changed completely. Yet artists and teachers continue to initiate new projects and search, from the rubble, for what remains possible. At present, HOPE supports 8 teams in Gaza organising activities for children, including a travelling arts festival and a primary school for 500 pupils.
This INBOX presentation is part of the public programme of the exhibition we refuse_d and the Nomadic Monument for Gaza.
