HOMEBASE VI JERUSALEM, SUMMER 2012 – LINKING THREE CITIES
As the project enters its seventh year we are continuing our journey to Jerusalem, an ancient city set in the heart of the turmoil of the Middle East representing an ever-present symbol of sacredness and rupture. For this special edition of HomeBase we will be linking a historic hospital in Jerusalem to two satellite locations in previous HomeBase communities in Berlin and NYC via technologies such as Skype. The triangle of Jerusalem, Berlin, and NYC will open a window of communication and dialogue amongst artist and viewers. For this special edition we will be collaborating with schir as the co-producer of the project.
THE JERUSALEM SITE – A LEPERS HOME
The upcoming HomeBase VI project is planned for Hansen Hospital in Jerusalem, a historic hospital for leprosy built in 1887. The unique building was designed by Conrad Schick, a German missionary and self-taught architect who was commissioned by the Protestant community to construct a Jesus Help Asylum. The spacious two-story building constructed from Jerusalem stone is set in a large, walled compound containing four water cisterns, and once included a vegetable garden, fruit trees, and livestock. It was designed to be self-sufficient, serving up to sixty lepers of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian background. The hospital, which functioned up until 2003, is a subject of reflection by leading Israeli authors.
The HomeBase Project VI in Jerusalem will follow previous models proven successful in 5 different locations in NYC and Berlin. The first 3 weeks consist of an artist-in-residency program for a select group of international artists who will be creating site-specific work reflecting on the notion of home in the rooms of the former hospital. Following the residency there will be 3 weeks of a cultural program including lectures, workshops, and performances around the topic of home, free and open to the public.
CULTURAL EMPHASIS – HOME & HUMANITY
HomeBase Project VI Jerusalem will welcome international art lovers as well as the diverse local community into its home to explore questions of belonging and identity with a focus on cross cultural dialogue and tolerance in society. By taking place in an abandoned hospital the project will emphasize the connection of art as a form of healing and as a catalyst for social awareness. Continuing the legacy of coexistence in the Hansen Hospital we will collaborate with leading artists, social entrepreneurs, and organizations promoting co-existence and human rights.
