our story
The first art studio and sound space in Little Palestine
A space created by Palestinian youth to serve all humanity through the transformative power of art.
Little Palestine, Burbank, Illinois · Founded July 2025
founding narrative
From Al Hub to the Academy
The Jerusalem Academy of the Arts was born from the Al Hub Forum, a cultural space rooted in Harlem / Little Palestine that emerged in a moment of global rupture, censorship, and collective displacement.
Al Hub Forum began as a gathering place for artists, thinkers, organizers, and communities whose stories were being erased, distorted, or rendered unspeakable within dominant institutions. In the face of ongoing colonial violence, particularly against Palestine and the Global South, Al Hub functioned as a living forum: a site where art was inseparable from memory, culture from resistance, and creativity from survival.
Like the salons and cultural forums that gave rise to the Harlem Renaissance, Al Hub was initially conceived as a necessity. Through panels, performances, workshops, screenings, and informal exchange, it cultivated a shared language and a collective imagination at a time when both were under threat.
The Jerusalem Academy of the Arts was founded as the institutional continuation of that work. The Academy carries forward the political clarity, ethical commitments, and communal accountability of Al Hub Forum. It exists to center Palestinian and artistic practice on its own terms, to transmit cultural knowledge across generations, and to cultivate art that is historically rooted, intellectually rigorous, and materially connected to liberation struggles.
Where Al Hub was the forum,
the Academy is the archive.
Where Al Hub convened,
the Academy teaches.
Where Al Hub protected space,
the Academy ensures continuity.
Art is not neutral. Culture is not disposable. Memory is a form of resistance.
mission & vision
Our Mission
The Jerusalem Academy of the Arts, based in Little Palestine Chicago, builds cultural infrastructure by cultivating artistic excellence and critical consciousness; preserving and amplifying Palestinian narratives and collective memory; creating healing spaces rooted in collective care and belonging; developing sustainable economic pathways for artists and cultural workers; and connecting Palestinian artists to global movements of solidarity and transformation.
Our Vision
A society where artists in Chicago connect to global movements, where young artists and producers leave the Academy as changemakers and cultural leaders, where ancestral traditions merge with contemporary innovation, and where communities are empowered to shape their own cultural narratives and build just, liberated futures.
our core values
Ten commitments that shape every program, partnership, and creative practice
Limitless Imagination
Imagination is a force for liberation and future-building. Creative freedom lets communities dream beyond oppression, borders, and imposed limitations.
how it shows up
- Experimental and interdisciplinary artmaking
- Futurist storytelling and speculative design
- Youth innovation labs
Narrative Sovereignty
Palestinian people have the right to tell their own stories and preserve collective memory on their own terms — reclaiming narrative power from erasure.
how it shows up
- Oral history projects
- Traditional music, dance, and embroidery
- Arabic language integration
- Community archives
Liberation Through Creativity
Art is a tool for resistance, consciousness, and justice. Creativity challenges oppression and helps build liberated futures.
how it shows up
- Political murals and public art
- Documentary filmmaking
- Spoken word and performance
- Social justice collaborations
Love & Collective Care
Love is a transformative force that sustains communities and affirms human dignity. Creativity flourishes when people feel safe, valued, and supported.
how it shows up
- Trauma-informed facilitation
- Healing-centered arts programming
- Community meals and gatherings
- Mentorship and intergenerational support
Community Stewardship
We are rooted in and accountable to the communities we serve. Cultural work is meaningful when it is reciprocal, responsive, and community-centered.
how it shows up
- Community advisory structures
- Accessible programming
- Neighborhood partnerships
- Collaborative decision-making
Artistic Excellence
Rigorous practice, experimentation, and innovation are essential to cultural growth. Accessibility should never require lowering artistic standards.
how it shows up
- High-quality arts instruction
- Professional mentorship
- Artist residencies
- Portfolio and production development
Human Dignity
Every person possesses inherent worth, creative potential, and the right to be seen, heard, and valued through art, culture, and community.
how it shows up
- Scholarships and financial aid
- Multilingual programming
- Disability accessibility
- Sliding-scale participation
Intergenerational Connection
We value the transmission of knowledge, memory, and creativity across generations. Elders, youth, and emerging artists all sustain cultural continuity.
how it shows up
- Elders teaching traditional arts
- Youth oral history projects
- Intergenerational performances
- Community storytelling circles
Collectivism
Creativity, healing, and liberation are collective processes rooted in mutual care, shared responsibility, and solidarity across communities and movements.
how it shows up
- Cross-disciplinary collaborations
- Partnerships with local organizations
- International exchanges
- Solidarity-based cultural programming
Steadfastness, Movement & Expression
We remain rooted in our humanity, culture, and collective purpose despite displacement and erasure — carrying forward an unwavering presence across generations.
how it shows up
- Rooted cultural continuity
- Movement of mind, body, and soul
- Creativity as grounding and memory
- Liberated imagination
Join our community
Whether you're an artist, student, educator, or supporter of the arts, there's a place for you at the Academy.