The laureates of the Sawa Sawa Residency Program

In a context of acute crisis affecting harshly the Palestinian cultural scene, the French Institute of Jerusalem has partnered with Palestinian and French organizations and designed a residency program that organizes more than 50 residencies in both Palestine and France.

Support Palestinian artists 

The Sawa Sawa residency program aims to support Palestinian artists with diverse profiles in terms of disciplines, generations. Its goal is to accompany them in the development of a research and creation project in all sectors of contemporary creation.

First Call for Applications: Overwhelming Response

The first call for applications for three-month residencies in Palestinian cultural institutions was announced on May 1, with a submission deadline of May 25. 

The response was huge, with 104 applications received. Dedicated disciplinary selection committees, composed by representatives from the program’s Palestinian and French partners, meticulously reviewed all submissions.

Announcing the 24 Laureates

We are delighted to announce the selection of 24 laureates who will participate in the first phase of the Sawa Sawa residency program. These talented individuals were chosen for their outstanding proposals and their potential to contribute significantly to the Palestinian contemporary art scene.

FIRST & LAST NAME	DISCIPLINE	HOST INSTITUTION	DATES & CITY OF RESIDENCY
Adnan MATOUQ	Music	Sabreen	July to September in Jerusalem
Afyaa AL-NAWASRAH	Visual arts	Murtsam	July to September in Hebron
Areej ASHHAB	Design / architecture	Wonder Cabinet	October to December in Bethlehem
Dareen GHAZZAWI	Cinéma	The Palestinian National Theatre– El Hakawati	October to December in Jerusalem
Dirar KALASH	Visual arts	Dar Jacir	October to December in Bethlehem
Fadi MURAD	Performing arts	The Palestinian National Theatre – El Hakawati	October to December in Jerusalem
Hani AMRA	Visual arts	Wonder Cabinet	July to September in Bethlehem
Hiba ISLEEM	Cinema	Dar Qandeel	October to December in Tulkarem
Hussein SHAWAR	Music	Al Kamandjati	July to September in Bani Zeid
Issa RAJABI	Music	Wonder Cabinet	July to September in Bethlehem
Jasem SHUMAN	Visual arts	Murtsam	July to September in Hebron
Jeries BABISH	Music	The Palestine Music Space X Delia arts foundation	July to September in Ramallah
Khalil AL-BATRAN	Performing arts	Freedom Theater	October to December in Jenin
Mohammad ALRAEE	Visual arts	Dar Jacir	July to September in Bethlehem
Mohammad KAHLA	Music	Al Kamandjati	July to September in Ramallah/ Qalandiya
Nadya ABUGHOUSH	Visual arts	Al Ma’mal	July to September in Jerusalem
Naseem HALABI	Music	The Palestine Music Space X Delia arts foundation	July to September in Ramallah
Ranim DARAGHMEH	Music	The Palestine Music Space X Delia arts foundation	October to December in Ramallah
Riham ISAAC	Performing arts	Palestinian Circus School	July to September in Birzeit
Sari TARAZI	Visual arts	Al Ma’mal	October to December in Jerusalem
Shatha JARRAR	Performing arts	Palestinian Circus School	October to December in Birzeit
Tala AKKAWI	Music	Sabreen	July to September in Jerusalem
Yanal STAITI	Music	Al Kamandjati	October to December in Jenin
Yaqeen YAMANI	Visual arts	Dar Jacir	October to December in Bethlehem

 A Snapshot of the Laureates:

• Total Applications Received: 104
• Selected Laureates: 24
• Gender Breakdown: 10 women and 14 men
• Residency Duration: 3 months
• Residency Locations: 7 cities in Palestine
• Residency Periods: July-September 2024 or October-December 2024

Looking Ahead: Second Call for Applications

Following the success of the initial call, we are excited to announce that a second call for applications will soon be published. This round will offer 3 to 6-month residencies in France, hosted by various French cultural institutions. These residencies will take place between January 2025 and December 2025.

We encourage all interested artists to stay tuned for further announcements and prepare to submit their applications. This second phase promises to expand opportunities for Palestinian artists to engage with the vibrant French cultural scene.

For any inquiries or additional information, please contact us at: sawasawa.residency@gmail.com