Beginning in 2005, Riwaq
launched its 1st Biennale. The concept behind the
Biennale was to create a space through which to provide
an on-the-ground display of Riwaq’s approach and
philosophy, as well as to mobilize the different sectors
of the local and international communities to work with
Riwaq on the revitalization of historic centers, namely
the 50 villages.
On June 8, 2005 a grand private viewing opened the 1st
Riwaq Biennale, which officially ran from the 9th of
June through the 6th of September. Hundreds of visitors
attended, representing local, national and international
agencies as well as organizations.
In 2007, during the 2nd Riwaq Biennale, participants
pledged: “To concentrate all efforts so as to protect
the most architecturally important 50 villages in
Palestine.” This pledge continued to be the focus of the
3rd Riwaq Biennale entitled: Geography 50 Village – the
art project / installation carried out and presented at
the Exhibition Palestine C/O Venice June 2009, and in
the official Biennale gatherings that took place in
October that year. The 3rd Biennale offered a platform
for meetings and discussions about the 50 village
rehabilitation project and Riwaq’s pilot in Birzeit.
Riwaq is excited to celebrate in November 2012 the 4th
Biennale—an increasingly important vehicle for promoting
Riwaq’s efforts both nationally and internationally.
