By the combination of its unique aesthetic setting, and its mission goals, the KSCC hopes to contribute to a renaissance of Palestinian arts & culture. The KSCC's mission is articulated around the following goals:
* Fostering arts appreciation,
* Acquainting the artistic community and the general public with new art forms or innovations,
* Strengthening public awareness of the intellectual, artistic and cultural Palestinian heritage,
* Facilitating cultural exchanges, and
* Spreading Palestinian arts & culture to the
outside world.
Since its opening in May 1996, the Sakakini functioned as a branch of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, albeit with programmatic independence. Within a year of its opening, consultations assessing the Sakakinis work recommended that in order for it to better fulfill its mission and serve the local community, the Sakakini should change its status to a non governmental organization (NGO).
For that purpose, a founding board made up of local artists and philanthropists was convened in July 1997, among its tasks was the drafting of bylaws and helping in fundraising. In May 1998, the Sakakini obtained its NGO registration from the Palestinian Ministry of the Interior, and a tax exempt status granted to non-profit organizations from the Ministry of Finance. In August 1998, an agreement was signed with the Ministry of Culture, whereby the Sakakinis building remains the property of the Ministry, while its premises are used rent free by the new Sakakini-NGO. The first general assembly meeting is due to be convened in September.
FOUNDERS:
* Mr. Abed Abdi, visual artist and sculptor,
* Mrs. Maha Abu-Shusheh, business woman,
* Mrs. Adila Laïdi, director of the Sakakini Centre,
* Mr. Mohammed Masrouji, businessman,
* Mrs. Tania Tamari-Nasir, artist soprano, and
* Mr. Mazen Qupty, Esq.
The founding board also includes honorary members Dumia
and Hala Sakakini, daughters of Khalil Sakakini. The Sakakinis general
assembly of 50 members, elected in October 1998 and February 1999 the members
of the Center's administrative and honorary bodies
FINANCES:
Current sources of revenue are: donations, project-specific grants, members dues, partial coverage of overhead costs by the Carmel literary quarterly, and ticket sales from events held at the Centre.
The Sakakinis first funding priority after its change of status is to establish an endowment fund to enable it to pursue its activities in financial security, and constitute a funding base for future cultural support initiatives in Palestine.
If you would like to financially support the work of the Centre, and if you live or have a bank account in the US, you can make a tax-free contribution to the Sakakini by:
1- Writing a check to: ADCRI/KSCC
2- Mailing it to:
KSCC/ADC Fund,
6204 Sotol Cove
Austin, Texas 78759, USA.
The Washington based Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is kindly lending us their support in this endeavor by making us benefit from their tax free status. After receipt of the check, the ADC will then mail you a tax-free contribution receipt. A non profit foundation, ADCRI is exempt from taxation under section 501(C)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the ADCRI/KSCC fund are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Please Email us if you would like more information. Thank you for your support.