To all the Children for whom we seek a World’ – Ghassan Kanafani
Born in Acre on the 9th of April 1936, Ghassan Kanafani, renowned Palestinian journalist, novelist, short story writer and political activist, whose writings were deeply rooted in Palestinian and Arab culture, inspired a whole generation during and after his lifetime, both in word and in deed. On the 8th of July 1972, Ghassan and his young niece were killed by Israeli agents in a car bomb explosion in Beirut.
By the time of his untimely death, Ghassan had published 18 books, written hundreds of articles on culture, politics and the Palestinian people’s struggle. Many of his literary works have been translated into 26 languages and published in 24 different countries. Although Ghassan’s literary works were an expression of the Palestinian people and their cause, his literary talent gave his works a universal appeal.
Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation (GKCF) was founded as a Lebanese NGO on July 8, 1974, on the second commemoration of the martyrdom of Ghassan Kanafani. In addition to publishing Ghassan Kanafani’s literary works, GKCF has established and runs six kindergartens for young children, two habilitation centres for children with disabilities, three libraries and art centres and three clubs in camps for Palestinians refugees in Lebanon. More than 1,600 children benefit yearly from GKCF and around 10,000 have graduated from the foundation’s kindergartens.
To celebrate 45 years of GKCF and to honour Ghassan Kanafani’s legacy, Dar El-Nimer for Arts and Culture will be hosting The Art of Childhood – 45 Years for Palestine’s Children, an event, which will include an exhibition, readings and a film screening.
The exhibition consists of paintings, drawings, collages, photographs, sculptures, as well as an installation by the children and youth of GKCF centres. All proceeds from the exhibition sales will go to support GKCF’s ECDE and art programs.
The exhibition runs until the 13th of April 2019.
Partners: Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation