NOMAD presents two documentary works by SABREEN, located in East Jerusalem. These are the documentaries of two workshops realized in 2004. The video installation in the Apartment project is on “Arwashat: Percussion Summer Camp” which was realized in Bethlehem, will be opening on 26th of November 2004 at 20:00. The video installation will be on till 4th of December 2004, every night from 19:00 to 21:00 hours. The screening of “Child Testimony” will be at 17:00 then the rerun will be at 18:00 in NOMAD Station.2 on 27th of November 2004.



Arwashat
In the course of Bidayat programme, Sabreen realized “Percussion Summer Camp: Arwashat” in Bethlehem between 28.06-06.07.2004. During the camp, 70 children learned how to play percussive instruments along with singing and dancing. These children were selected from various community centers and trained for 3 months (March-May 2004). Some of these children had previously attended the Instrument Making Workshop by Palestinian and Norwegian musicians. “Arwashat: Percussion Summer Camp” concluded with a large-scale music festival on 6th of June, 2004.

Arwashat is a part of the educative and social programme, designed and applied by Sabreen. This programme covers public performances in the cities and towns of Palestine.

“Child Testimony”
This project aims at displaying the dimensions of the experienced violence and reality through the visual perception of the children. Utilizing keywords and concepts, a group of children were asked to reflect on their reality and daily life experiences by drawing and painting. As an ongoing process, artists and cultural organizations are processing these drawings.

SABREEN
Sabreen, founded by Said Murad, is a non-profit organization for developing art in general; nevertheless, the main focus of this association is the field of music. For the last 16th years, Sabreen Association for Artistic Development has been providing venues, professional opportunities, and educative forums for Palestinian artists through exhibits, festivals, workshops, and other activities.

Sabreen operates both as an institution and a music group that has performed worldwide. Sabreen also makes productions for artists and organizations such as CDs or film sound tracks in its studios together with sound-engineering training courses. Besides, Sabreen’s first group; Bidayat, established in 1984, gives professional education for schools and organizations.

Sabreen has a distinctive vision and philosophy, which is based on the Palestinian cultural heritage by focusing on the regeneration of Palestinian folklore and identity. By revisiting the roots of Arabic music, Sabreen aims to lead its audience to transcend their daily life reality, which is blurred with conflict, to a realm of tranquillity and patience.