By Judith Goodall -
It is that time of the year again for the yearly Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts Fair. The Arts and Crafts Fair has been ongoing for the last thirty-six years! 150 articles and then some nationwide will be participating in the event which will take place at the Sultan’s Pool in the Old City on August 15 through August 27, 2011.
The “Khutzot Hayotzer” is titled with the inspiration of the small crafts and arts lane that is open continuously throughout the year. The Festival will be hosting two artist stalls with one called the Israeli Pavilion. Shoppers and arts and crafts enthusiasts will enjoy a housing works of ceramics, metalwork, textiles, jewelry, paintings and beautiful weavings. Israel’s finest artists will display these items. The other artist stall is titled the International Pavilion, which presents artists from Europe, South America, North America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. A special addition to the International Pavilion will be the beautiful aboriginal Australian art.
There will be an international food fair serving up delicious and exotic dishes from various countries. The cuisine will be featuring foods from countries around the Middle East. For the theater scene, the fair is hosting various theater shows, musical and dance performances. Gidi Gov (August 15), Hadag Nachash (August 21) and Ivri Lider (August 27) and other talented performers and artists will be performing with the backdrop of the main state of the Sultan’s Pool starting at 9.30 pm in the evening.
There will be animation and presentations of Indie-films for your viewing pleasure. Pottery, glass, photography and metal designs will be displayed for viewing and purchase. These fine artistic designs will be made available from the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design who is famous for their artistic talent.
The International Arts and Crafts Fair is one of the most popular festivals throughout Israel. This festival has aided in increasing tourism to the area while placing Israel on the map of “must see” countries with the culture it has to offer. If you have not visited this festival, this destination should be on everyone’s schedule in the upcoming week. The food, arts, crafts and entertainment is something not only adults will enjoy but your entire family.
This festival looks like it would be alot of fun! It appears that the festival is well thought out and planned. I wish my local community performed festivals such as this!
I would love to go to Israel and experience this festival among other events. Anyone else agree?
Lee,
I have been to the festival and yes, it is a wonderful experience and alot of fun. You should definitely go!
I think events such as this are great for promoting unity among communities. I am left to wonder something…..with Israeli’s pitching tents because they can’t afford the high price of housing, I am left to wonder where the money comes from to fund these festivals and ventures? Can anyone tell me? I honestly would like to know.
Tee,
Your question is justified however, I refuse to believe that Israel is disregarding their citizens in order to have festivals and things of the sort. Every country in the world has issues with their economies and the economic issues in Israel currently are not isolated only to Israel.