A Public Art Project: East 2 East

Reaching from New York’s Lower East Side to the streets of Jerusalem. From Nolita to Tel Aviv; the East Coast to the Middle East. How can you connect two lands using the power of art?

This summer New York City artists are invited to submit original work to be considered for a unique public art project. With no political or religious agenda, “East 2 East” will expose the people of New York to the beautiful and unique aspects of Israel and Israeli life through large scale outdoor murals. East 2 East murals will be created on buildings throughout Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the neighborhood where New York Jewish life first thrived. Much like modern day Israel, the Lower East Side is a melting pot of citizens from all over the globe. Israel’s landscape, history and residents will inspire artists as they bring their creative visions to some of the most high traffic areas in Manhattan.

Inspiration for these murals will come from the itineraries and content found on the free 10-day Birthright Israel trips offered to young Jews all over the world. More than 250,000 people (ages 18-26) have traveled to Israel for free through the generosity of private philanthropists through the Birthright Israel Foundation; the Government of Israel and through Jewish communities around the world, (North American Jewish Federations, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency for Israel.)

Artists must submit their sketches and completed application by August 1, 2010.

For more information, including submission guidelines, check the Birthright Israel NEXT website.

About: East 2 East is a project of Birthright Israel NEXT, NY and the JEC in partnership with Artists 4 Israel.