Ensuring Tel Aviv’s cultural heritage lives on for future generations to come

THE PROJECT

The City Artist program is designed to showcase the work of an important iconic artist who grew up in Tel Aviv. It aims to cultivate a love and appreciation of historic Israeli cultural figures among new generations of Israelis who may not be familiar with the artist’s work. Each year, a new artist who is central to Tel Aviv’s cultural heritage will be selected for the program. The first year will focus on the work of Natan Alterman. Natan Alterman is a beloved poet, playwright, journalist, and translator. This project will help to ensure his impact on Tel Aviv’s cultural heritage lives on for future generations. Thirty different public events and activities will be developed over a 12 month period. Some will be one-off events while others will run over a period of months (e.g. educational activities in city libraries). The artist’s work will be explored in a variety of ways: from literature to visual art, video
art, theater, dance, and children’s activities. The events will be designed to reach the two main target audiences:

1. Children of all ages – programs will be run in kindergartens through to high school;
2. Young adults aged 21-40 – activities will be held in nightclubs, bars, experimental gallery spaces, etc.

In the first year – The Year of Alterman – the program will also feature the works of three artists who shared his world: his daughter, poet Tirza Atar; his wife, actress Rachel Marcus and painter Tzila Binder. These three also made important contributions to Tel Aviv’s cultural life and the legacy of Natan Alterman.Led by the Community, Culture and Sports Administration of the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo, the program will partner with other cultural and educational institutions to develop events.

THE INVESTMENT

The requested donation is over three years to ensure the growth and continuity of the program.

Total Annual Cost $490,000
Contribution from the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo $245,000
Balance $245,000

REQUESTED DONATION over three years $735,000