MISSION
By offering inventive lessons in the fields of art and culture HOPE aims to empower children in conflict areas to build a meaningful life for themselves.
VISION
We envision a future where children are able to cope with the effects of war in the best way possible and where the basic requirements for leading a life that is worthwhile are available to all.
STRATEGY
For the Khan Yunis Open Studio team, Academy for Young Talent, Social Media Lab, Breakdance Academy and many more organizations, HOPE acts as a source of inspiration and as initiator for projects.
All details of our activities in 2023 and before are found in our annual reports on our reports page
Find our legal and financial information on our Legal and Financial page.
The members of the board receive no remuneration for their activities. They are entitled to reimbursement of costs incurred in the performance of their duties and to a non-excessive attendance fee.
Harry Cock and Sake Elzinga
From the very first visit to Gaza Harry Cock and Sake Elzinga were involved in the Open Studio’s development. Harry is involved to this day. He has, for instance, recorded life in Gaza, in photos, over a continuous period of time.
Niek van Nieuwenhuijzen and Gaby Wijzenbeek
Niek and Gaby gave a lot of advice on how to professionalize the HOPE foundation, especially where it concerned music and making the connection with psycho-social problems. They initiated the collaboration with PRCS University College of Ability Development in Khan Younis; and they also contributed their own specific knowledge of art and music therapy. Although the Open Studio uses a very different working method, it is hugely important to continually explore and guard the boundaries. Niek died on 23 November 2013. This was an enormous loss for the Hope Foundation.
In the Netherlands / Belgium
Organisations: Stichting de Vrolijkheid,
People: Allysha Laarhoven- Rob Voerman - Rosh Abdelfatah - Ibrahim Al-Baz - Paul Robbert Bruijninckx - Hekmat Dirbas - Robert Goddyn - Marsel Loermans - Jessy Rahman
In Palestine / Libanon
Organisations: The Dutch Representative Office
People: Hiba Saida (Pal) - Tala Abd Al Hadi (Pal) - Yanal Mansour (Lib)
The HOPE Foundation was founded in 1996 (Chambers of Commerce registration number 04058566). The driving forces behind this initiative were Fathi Arafat, Jean Calder, Willem Vugteveen, Riekus Feijen and Ingrid Rollema.
Since 1992 there have been regular visits to Khan Younis, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.
The history of the Open Studio is a history of people rising up against the fundamental injustice inflicted on others.