In December 2014 in Jerusalem I met Udi Kaslasi, an animator, illustrator and artistic visionary. We had an immediate connection that quickly morphed into creative energy. Within a few weeks of our encounter we started working on a house party, aiming to bring together local artistic and musical talent and create a gathering centered around art. On January 27th my house was invaded by artists, dancers, creators and creatives of all sorts. We danced all day.

 

What began as a house party quickly evolved into a creative movement we named Arty Party Jerus. Our goal was to take over spaces and transform them into autonomous zones, free from the violence, racism and tension so prevalent in our city. For two years we operated on a competely voluntary basis. Our medium was art and electronic music.

Within three years we created dozens of gatherings, with thousands of attendees, DJ’s from abroad, art installations, video projections, performance art, live art. Everything was DIY. We had no sponsors and no external support.

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In March 2018 we held our greatest party to date, creating 4 dancefloors, 12 installations, and employing dozens performers and volunteers. The party was cut short by Israel Police due to licensing issues and for the next year and a half we went on hiatus. During this time I initiated a side project named Diaspora, which took the artistic elements we used in APJ to a more minimalist approach. The name alludes to the feelings of displacement that follow the move to a new city and the attempt to find community away from the place you grew up in.

 

With Diaspora I collaborated with projects such as Jerusalem Shaon Horef, Design Week 2019, as well as creating gatherings and raves bars and clubs in Tel Aviv such as Gagarin and Anna Loulou. 

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In December 2019 it was decided that Arty Party Jerus has officially halted its activity and will continue under the name Diaspora. We are now in the midst of rebranding and creating a new platform for the followers of both productions.

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Check us out:

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https://www.facebook.com/diasporainart/

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Check out my partners, affiliated artists and fellow questers:

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Udi Kaslasi - www.udikaslasi.com (illustrator, animator, tattoo artist. cofounder)

Matan Leiter

Dan Levi www.meeverland.com

Omer Yaacov https://www.facebook.com/ohmarsound/

Romi Ginsburg

Hashashin https://www.instagram.com/hashashin.paint/

Alina Osipova

Shira Epic

Elad Kalay (OCD designs) 

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