FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Palestine
Address
Palestinian/ Ramallah/ Al- BirehCountry
City
Ramallah/ Al-BirehProvince
RamallahMobile Phone
+970569856905Telephone
00970599856905Telephone (other)
00970598949520Year of Establishment
2010Contact Person1
Maher shawamrehJob Title 1
General directorContact Person 2
Maher Mohammed Musa shawamrehOrganisation Type
Non-Governmental OrganizationFields of Activity
ArtsGeneral Information
Orient & Dance Theatre (ODT) is an artistic center located in Ramallah/Al-Bireh, Palestine. It is one of the leading institutions in contemporary performing arts, including dance, music, and other art forms. ODT serves as a platform for artistic expression, using art as a means of conveying emotions and creating new works of art in a Palestinian society facing social and economic challenges.
ODT was founded in 2009 by Palestinian contemporary dancer Maher Shawamra, who has worked extensively both locally and internationally in the field of dance. The center was created to provide an artistic space where contemporary arts could be introduced and taught in Palestine, in the face of cultural and societal challenges. Since its inception, ODT has worked tirelessly to overcome prejudices against contemporary art, which was initially perceived as unacceptable in the community.
ODT represents a dynamic space for tolerance, diversity, and hope through the arts. Over the years, it has become a center dedicated to the development and education of young people, with a focus on using art as a tool for enhancing personal identity and self-expression. The center also contributes to social change in Palestinian society through its artistic and educational activities.
ODT offers a wide range of educational programs, including contemporary dance, ballet, music, art workshops, and recycling projects. It caters to different age groups and welcomes participants from various backgrounds, regardless of their previous experience. The center also hosts international volunteers who teach dance and other performing arts. ODT aims to be one of the leading professional academic institutions for contemporary performing arts in Palestine.
In addition to its educational work, ODT also creates professional-level art. The center has a professional contemporary dance company that produces a new work every few years. It also organizes international and local collaborations, including music events and workshops, and contributes to the artistic scene in Palestine through its diverse art projects.
Mission and Objectives
Mission:
The mission of Orient & Dance Theatre (ODT) is to inspire and empower individuals of all backgrounds to express themselves through the transformative power of art. By providing a platform for artistic education, performance, and cultural exchange, ODT seeks to create a vibrant artistic community in Palestine. We strive to foster an environment where creativity, diversity, and collaboration flourish, contributing to social change and cultural development. Through our work, we aim to break down societal barriers and offer opportunities for individuals to develop their artistic potential, regardless of their age, experience, or background.
Objectives:
1.Promote Artistic Expression:
Foster a space where individuals can explore and express their identity through different forms of art, including dance, music, and visual arts. We believe that art is a powerful tool for personal growth and societal transformation.
2.Offer High-Quality Arts Education:
Provide access to quality education in various art forms, particularly contemporary dance and ballet, for individuals of all ages. We aim to develop academic-level skills in the arts, ensuring that our students become the next generation of artists in Palestine.
3.Foster Cultural Awareness and Social Change:
Promote cultural diversity and social change by using art to address social issues, encourage tolerance, and create dialogue within the community. ODT’s initiatives seek to increase public awareness of the importance of art in daily life.
4.Engage with Local and International Communities:
Strengthen our collaborations with local and international artists, organizations, and volunteers, fostering an environment of exchange and learning. We aim to bring international expertise and opportunities to Palestine, providing a global perspective on the arts.
5.Support Marginalized Communities:
Ensure that the arts are accessible to all, especially marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, and create inclusive spaces where all individuals can participate in and benefit from artistic education and practice.
6.Create Professional Artistic Productions:
Continue to produce professional art projects, particularly in contemporary dance, music, and collaborative performances, to offer local artists a platform for showcasing their talents and to elevate the arts scene in Palestine.
7.Ensure Sustainable Growth and Impact:
Focus on the sustainability and growth of ODT by securing funding, partnerships, and long-term support for its activities. Our goal is to create a self-sustaining arts center that contributes significantly to the Palestinian cultural landscape.
Main Projects / Activities
Main Projects/Activities:
1.Dance School (Ballet and Contemporary Dance):
ODT offers year-round dance education, focusing on ballet and contemporary dance. The ballet program, which started in 2011, serves as one of the first platforms for ballet education in Ramallah, offering classes for children (ages 3-13) and adults. Students perform annually in a show that showcases their learning progress. The contemporary dance program, also a key part of ODT’s offerings, encourages students to explore movement and expression through contemporary techniques. Both programs aim to nurture local talent and provide professional-level education in dance.
2.Community Outreach and Workshops:
ODT organizes outreach programs across Palestine, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns, to raise awareness about the importance of the arts, such as dance, recycling, and music. These workshops are designed to break cultural barriers and encourage wider participation in the arts. All outreach workshops are free for participants, aiming to make art accessible to underserved communities.
3.Summer School of Contemporary Arts:
ODT hosts an annual Summer School that spans 30 days, offering intensive workshops in contemporary dance, acting, and art. Participants collaborate to create a performance, which is showcased at the end of the program. This initiative provides young and emerging artists with an immersive experience in the arts, helping to develop their skills and creativity.
4.Recycling & Handicraft Programs:
ODT promotes environmental consciousness through its recycling and handicraft workshops. These programs teach participants how to recycle materials and transform them into creative artworks. The center itself is a testament to the power of recycling, as much of its furniture and decorations are made from repurposed materials. ODT also organizes annual exhibitions to showcase the recycled art created by the community, raising awareness about sustainability and waste management.
5.Professional Art Productions:
ODT produces professional-level artistic works, particularly in the field of contemporary dance. The theater has created a series of significant productions over the years, including “SENSES,” “Lost & Found in Translation,” and “NAQSH.” These performances feature local artists and dancers, and some have gained international recognition. ODT’s artistic productions aim to elevate the cultural scene in Palestine and provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents.
6.Music Education:
In addition to dance, ODT offers music lessons in various instruments such as cello, violin, piano, and vocals. Students also have the opportunity to combine music with dance, enriching their artistic education. ODT collaborates with local and international music teachers to ensure a high standard of music education for the community.
7.Collaborations and Partnerships:
ODT has long-standing collaborations with NGOs, international artists, and cultural institutions around the world. These partnerships allow for cultural exchange, capacity building, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the fields of dance, music, and the arts.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
How the Anna Lindh Foundation Can Contribute to the Network in Our Country
The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF), with its extensive network across the Mediterranean region, can play a pivotal role in strengthening cultural and artistic exchange within our country. Through its support and resources, ALF can facilitate collaboration between local artists, organizations, and international partners, helping to promote cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
1.Building Collaborative Partnerships: By connecting Mabarrat Orient & Dance Theatre (ODT) with other cultural and artistic entities within ALF’s network, we can establish stronger collaborations, share best practices, and increase visibility for Palestinian culture on an international scale.
2.Supporting Capacity Building: ALF’s resources and training opportunities can enhance the skills of local artists, educators, and organizers, empowering them with the tools needed to grow professionally and contribute more effectively to their communities.
3.Fostering Cultural Diplomacy: ALF’s commitment to cultural diplomacy can help ODT and other local organizations create platforms for dialogue, allowing Palestinian artists to engage with global audiences and advocates for peace and tolerance.
4.Promoting Intercultural Understanding: ALF’s network will help strengthen the mission of ODT to bring different cultural perspectives together through art, promoting inclusivity and shared values of respect, tolerance, and creativity.
5.Expanding International Visibility: ALF’s influence and funding capabilities can help ODT and similar organizations gain access to international festivals, networks, and projects, which in turn can elevate the artistic and cultural profile of Palestine.
Through these contributions, ALF can significantly amplify the impact of cultural initiatives in our country, fostering connections that transcend borders and reinforcing the power of art in shaping a more inclusive, interconnected world.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
Why We Chose the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF):
The Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) stands out as a key organization dedicated to fostering intercultural dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among Mediterranean countries. It is a platform that shares our values of tolerance, diversity, and cultural exchange, making it an ideal partner for Orient & Dance Theatre (ODT).
ODT, with its mission to promote art as a tool for social change, believes in the transformative power of cultural initiatives to bridge divides and connect communities across geographical, cultural, and political boundaries. We see a strong alignment between our goals and ALF’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and combating intolerance.
The Anna Lindh Foundation’s extensive network of cultural organizations and its history of supporting initiatives that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect makes it the perfect ally in ODT’s journey to reach more people and create a lasting impact in Palestine and beyond.
We are confident that ALF’s support will not only strengthen ODT’s work in Palestine but also contribute to the growth of a broader movement focused on intercultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
By partnering with ALF, we aim to amplify the voice of Palestinian art and culture on a global scale and contribute to a more inclusive and culturally connected world.