Jerusalem of Culture
Jerusalem is Israe’s hi-tech capital, but it also has a hidden secret: a thriving arts and leisure scene that feeds into its hi-tech economy. How?
Well, first of all, quality of life is a huge issue for potential employees, who want to live in a city that’s fun and vibrant. In order for Jerusalem companies to remain competetive and attract high-quality employees, the city itself has to be an appealing place to live in; a healthy arts scene makes the city a more attractive place for potential residents.
Second of all, according to economist Richard Florida, hi-tech entrepreneurs and artists both form part of the “creative class”, a group of people who harness their creativity to produce economic goods -whether a new startup for cooler selfies, or a new play about butterflies- that help grow the city’s economy.
This thriving arts and leisure scene is on full display during the summer season: The Israel Festival and Musrara Mix in June, the currently ongoing Outline Festival, which highlights the connections between illustration and the written and performing arts.
But for me, my favorite moments in Jerusalem are when I discover cool things that are happening by accident. Take this Wednesday, for example:
A stroll through the center of town led to the discovery of Imballa, a vegan cafe cooperative where protest art hangs on the wall. Next door, there is the recently opened the Rabbit Hole, a gin and tonic bar where I was asked to choose between “Red Lust -alcoholic borst in a glass” and “Morning Glory -dessert in cocktail form”. I chose the latter, and did not regret my choice. Over cocktails, I chatted with the bartender -a local Jerusalemite -about the special home-made syrups he uses for the different flavors. The bartender’s wife, herself an artist, has made some of the cups and decorations.
Friday morning, I went to Hansen House -a former leper colony that has been transformed into one of the most happening arts venues in the city. I decided to take in the “Illustrating Poetry” exhibit, in which artists create illustrations based on songs, and then, writers create poems based on the illustrations. Each piece of art includes both the song that inspired it, and the poem that it itself inspired, making it an example of ekphrasis par excellence. The exhibit is part of the Outline festival, which has showings throughout the city, including: Beita Gallery, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, and more.
Afterwards, I stumbled into a clothes and crafts fair, where dresses and jewelry were on colorful display. I enjoyed walking from rack to rack, taking in the rich variety of patterns, and got into a conversation with Karen Shavit, who has a store in Jaffa, but exhibits her wares throughout the country, and had come to Jerusalem for the ocassion.
Then, deciding not to wait outside the incredibly huge line for Meshek Offaime, Hansen House’s farm to table cafe, I walked over to the glorious German Colony to eat a croissant before heading back home.
To me, days like this are the quintessential Jerusalem experience: A splendid blend of art exhibits in historic brown-stoned buildings, surprise vegan cafes and home-made clothing popups, and a classy bar at which to unwind at the end of the day.
As Jerusalem’s hi-tech field and cultural scenes continue to expand, I hope we will see more synergies between the two, as they inspire each other to become part of the creative economy that helps the city thrive.
