Cleveland has gained an unlikely new patron of the arts: the local Jewish federation. As part of a new project to help showcase Israeli artists, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland is helping to facilitate Israeli performances at some of the city’s major museums, concert halls and theaters.
The program, launched in the fall, aims to boost Israel and the Israeli arts with the message that Israeli culture isn’t just for the JCC anymore. “The mission is to project Israel as a source of world-class art and culture,” said Erica Hartman-Horovitz, an art appraiser who co-chairs the program, the Cleveland Israel Arts Connection.
“When most people think of Israel they’re thinking of the conflict, maybe the incredible efforts that Israel goes through to survive. We want to illustrate the Israel arts and culture world as something that is more than that for those who might not be interested in Israel for other reasons.”
Made up of volunteers from the Cleveland arts, performance, music and literary communities, the program’s committee has helped bring Ladino singer Yasmin Levy to the Cleveland Museum of Art; brought the Alon Yavnai jazz quintet to Severance Hall, the home of the Cleveland Orchestra; supported a sold-out performance of “My Name Is Asher Lev” at the Cleveland Play House; and sponsored talks by Israeli novelist Amos Oz at Oberlin College and Case Western Reserve University. — jta