The concept of a cultural center is quite well known. They are indispensable around the world, promoting an active cultural life in the cities and regions where they exist. In fact, there are several cultural centers in Gaza mainly focused on theater and the arts.
So what makes the Delia Arts Center different? Why is our little project worth knowing about? The primary reason is the focus on music. Due to several factors in Gaza – namely the conservative culture that casts a suspicious eye towards music, and the huge challenges of being able to perform – music continues to exist outside of the mainstream.
Despite these challenges, there is a small and growing group of talented musicians in Gaza. Our mission is to give this group a place to call home, where they can hone their skills and feel hopeful, where they can explore their creativity and learn from mentors, and eventually fulfill their dreams of living a professional life dedicated to music.
The work of the Center doesn’t stop there however. The bigger question it’s trying to answer is the “how”. How do you go from a small group of talented musicians in a culture that considers them outsiders to a thriving industry? Is this even possible? This is the question that’s worth exploring. Through the research we’ve already completed, we know there is a huge interest in music. We’ve talked to women in particular, both educated and those living in more difficult circumstances, who have had little access to music but long for the day that they can feel comfortable singing freely, and can afford to learn to play an instrument. Some see music as a way to escape and express the difficulties of everyday life in Gaza. Many just enjoy listening and experiencing something different.
Currently musicians in Gaza have few economic opportunities. They work their day jobs and play music on the side at weddings for example. Or maybe they compose jingles for advertisements. Or teach a few music lessons. The reality is that in order for the Center to achieve the goals we have, we need to drive an economy that can support musicians. There are actually endless opportunities, but first we need to bring music into the mainstream. With that in mind we’re creating programs that not only uplevel talented musicians’ skillsets, but also reach into the communities that traditionally don’t have access to music. By bringing music into people’s everyday lives, more demand for lessons and performances will come, both of which will start building a local economy around music. At the same time, we’ll be helping the already talented musicians with songwriting and composition, creating more professional recordings and music videos, and giving them access to a broader regional and international community. The musicians of Gaza have wonderful music and stories to share, it’s our goal to share them with the world while also focusing on the day to day opportunities at home.
We already know that music is a universal language. It touches all of us in our souls. The Delia Arts Center in Gaza has the opportunity to create a new life for not only the musicians who will be filling it up each day, but for a whole region who may otherwise continue living in silence. We are proud of this first step forward, and now the real work begins!