The Arab Culture Association is an independent non-profit organization. Established in 1998 as the initiative of a group of intellectuals, academics and political activists aiming to strengthen Arab culture and identity for Palestinians living in Israel, the Arab Culture Association (ACA)_is counted among the leading Palestinian institutions. The ACA is known for its pioneering programs that address several cultural fields, such as: Arabic language, arts and literature, cultural tourism, and the promotion of higher education and critical thinking.

The Association’s many popular programs, activities and publications have contributed over the years to the preservationof national and cultural identity, especially among youth, and in affirming the position of the Arabic language. Years of conducting successful programs have left the ACA with extensive expertise across a variety of cultural and artistic disciplines.

Our Vision:

We work towards a Palestinian Arab society keen about its language, identity, and cultural heritage, that is culturally and academically autonomous, creative, productive and socially responsible, and based on humanitarian and pluralistic values.

Our Role

Our work is centered on developing the intellectual foundation and infrastructure to support the cultural independence of Palestinian Arabs living in Israel in the fields of art, literature and critique. As such, our work revolves around raising awareness of identity and collective rights, and the preservation of the Arabic language as a fundamental component of identity. We work to ensure access to Arabic language knowledge sources and to provide a central, urban communicative space for the exchange of knowledge, creation and distribution of cultural productions. Moreover, the ACA strives to foster the forefront of youth leadership that is educated and conscious of its identity and social responsibility.

Our Goals

To develop an accessible Arab cultural identity based on the present reality and history, open to different nations’ cultures yet proud of its Arab character, and focused on humanitarian, democratic foundations and transcendent of narrow-mindedness and tribalism.

To provide a nurturing space for capacity building, artistic and literary production, and networking in the cultural sector while maintaining inclusive, creative and professional standards.

Youth empowerment and education in Palestinian history, culture, and identity. Encouraging youth to pursue higher education, to participate in public affairs, and to practice critical and creative thinking.

Founding a professional training center for the Arabic language and ensuring its appropriate presence in the public sphere.

Strengthening communication and cooperation between Palestinians in Historical Palestine and the Diaspora, as well as with institutions and cultural actors in the Arab world and beyond.

ACA Programs 2015-2018:

1.      The Arab Cultural Center in Haifa.

2.      Work of Art- Cultural Development Agency

3.      Language and Identity

4.      Youth Empowerment Program

5.      Cultural Distribution

The Arab Cultural Center- Haifa

Belonging, Creativity, Production

The idea of establishing an interdisciplinary Arab cultural center emerged to meet the need of Palestinian Arab society in Israel and the Palestinian cultural movement for an independent professional space that is multifunctional and Arab in identity. The Center aims to: nurture and develop unrealized cultural energies; facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise; support artistic, literary and critical capacity building and development; provide an inspiring environment; and encourage cultural production, distribution and artistic initiative. The Center will facilitate communication between cultural and artistic institutions, frameworks, and initiatives in the Arab world as well as internationally.

The Arab Culture Association chose to establish the Center in Haifa because this Arab city has recently become an artistic and cultural urban center for Palestinian society once again. Before electing to establish the Arab Cultural Center in Haifa, the city lacked the necessary infrastructure to continue developing momentum and Arab cultural production across the various disciplines.

The Center will consist of two impressive buildings near the long-established Arab neighborhood of Wadi Nisnas in Haifa’s historic center. The area will begin its restoration beginning in 2015 as part of a plan that includes—in addition to the ACA’s offices—modern and fully equipped exhibition, training and production spaces:

·         Multi-use performance hall

·         Arts library and cultural archive

·         Gallery

·         Training and professional centers

·         Cultural café

·         Arts marketplace

·         Studios

·         Various other cultural and artistic facilities