Mission Statement
The non profit nongovernmental organisation YANTE, short for Youth, Art and Levante, was founded and registered in June as a legal entity independent of religious and political affiliation. Yante's aim is to plan and implement art projects in the Levante, with a special focus on Palestine. Hitherto our projects have been brought to fruition through the generous support of foundations, sponsors, public authorities, friends, and private patrons. The Palestinian society is a rich constellation of multi-faceted communities. Over the past six decades this society has been forced back into itself, causing opportunities to be reduced for individuals, communities and societies, stunting its growth and ability to expand. Combined with the growing social gaps, this is resulting in higher levels of violence and frequent observations of aggressive behaviour. The causes of these behavioural trends are many, starting with the humiliation bestowed by the Israeli Occupation, and till the frustration and feelings of disempowerment caused by the political failure and economic restrictions, to name a few. Ergo, our aim is to encourage participants to utilize art as an instrument for self-expression, therefore, gaining the power to convey their viewpoints, and to do so non-violently.
Description
What we do
Over the coming three years Yante is focusing on establishing an independent Palestinian Community Dance movement, stemming from the belief that every person can dance.
Throughout the three years, individuals with and without dance experience will have the opportunity to train with professional Dancers and Choreographers, towards becoming Community Dance trainers themselves. The trainings are free of charge. Within the framework of instruction, the trainers are encouraged to develop dance projects on high artistic levels with various target groups: like a.o. pupils, street-children, the displaced, the elderly, and those differently abled.
We believe Community Dance cultivates self-esteem within the individuals. It offers the participants a social, physical, emotional, cognitive and intellectual experience and conveys values such as commitment, respect, passion and particularly empathy.
How we do it
With mutual appreciation, the participants at Yante encounter each other eye to eye. Yante strives to connect cultural initiatives by providing best know-how and fostering inclusive policies. Yante's inclusiveness means any individual with interest can become an active member.
Sustainability is equally important for Yante. Hence through the project the trainers are gradually equipped as the multiplicators to lead the Community Dance Project in Palestine independent of Yante within three years (by 2015)
