Lift-off

September 10, 2008 - 7:54 PM by Jessica

If you don’t yet have plans for Thursday night, tomorrow marks the opening of Lift-Off, an art extravaganza involving more than 100 artists and 19 galleries and spaces around Jerusalem. The first I heard of it was in last weekend’s paper, which included a bold yellow brochure detailing the events and exhibits of the two-week show.

The entire concept was created by Leehee Shulov, a 30-year-old Jerusalem artist who wanted to publicize the dialogue that’s been taking place around Jerusalem’s artistic community over the last few years. Shulov is clearly an artistic entrepreneur; she sold the idea to the Jerusalem Foundation, Jerusalem municipality and a host of sponsors, including SPNI, Isracard, the Israel Museum, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, and other artistic organizations, as well as several random garages and spaces that will be hosting events.

I also liked what she told In Jerusalem about the difference between creating this kind of event in Jerusalem, as opposed to Tel Aviv: “In Tel Aviv, anything goes and people follow fashions. It’s not like here in Jerusalem, where people share things, share their lives. Things happen at street level here, and it’s important for artists to do the same.”

I’m looking forward to checking out several events, including a film at the Jerusalem Bird Observatory (12.9.08, 12-4 pm), and an evening of alternative electronic music at the Jerusalem Print Workshop (23.9.08, 8:30 pm). You can view the entire listing of events and exhibits at www.shumma.com and head out to view some funky art options in Jerusalem.

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