Art has always been a potent tool of resistance against oppressive systems and while not all of us were genetically blessed with artistic talent, we can still play a crucial role by supporting those who wield paintbrushes as their weapon, especially in regions where oppressive regimes try to silence them. This is the main purpose of the 2048 foundation, a new creative institution aimed at funding and aiding creative Palestinian projects.
Founded by part-Palestinian musician Marwan Abdelhamid, AKA Saint Levant, alongside Stephani Moukhaiber, a Lebanese social activist, the foundation takes its name from the year 2048, which marks a century of the Nakba (the catastrophe), the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinans from their homeland in 1948, symbolizing the collective aspiration and hope for a liberated Palestine in the near future.
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Now taking applications online, the foundation is designed to support Palestinian creatives with an idea that they wish to bring to life, however, may not have the means or support to do so, bringing these ideas into fruition through financial and networking support. According to the foundation’s website, to be considered for funding, your project must be “viable, innovative, sustainable, and beneficial to the community.”
Despite launching only a couple of months ago in March, the cultural institute is already working on three exciting projects, each within different fields. Firstly, it is supporting the first Palestinian record label based in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, adding to its roster of projects is a creative cultural center in the city of Nablus in the Northern West Bank that goes by the name of Askadar. The center, which was first established in March 2017 by a group of young artists and entrepreneurs, has been providing much needed culture and arts activities to the children and teens. Lastly, The foundation is aiding Palestinian engineer Bayan Abusalameh’s ambitious dream of launching PALESTINE_1, the first Palestinian CubeSat, a satellite that aims to study the earth and find space-based solutions for pressing global issues.
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For more details about the foundation, including how to apply or contribute as a sponsor or donor, visit the 2048 website.
