Manofim art festival gives a boost to Jerusalem’s creative scene

The 18th annual Manofim contemporary art festival, running July 14-18, is showcasing Jerusalem's creative scene through various art, music, and stage performances. The festival, co-founded by artists Lee Hai Shulov and Rinat Edelstein, aims to elevate the city's art profile, with "manofim" meaning construction cranes, symbolizing this goal. Key locations include the Art Cube Artists’ Studios in Talpiot, offering open studios and exhibits like Yael Serlin's “Four Cubits,” and the Shaham Culture Lab, featuring “Gel Culture Research.” Performances include “Vacuum Service” drawing attention to the Alexander Calder sculpture on Mount Herzl and Guy Dolev's “Rear Cow” addressing the Armenian community's struggle to preserve Cow Garden. The festival also celebrates Zik's 40th anniversary with “Zik Galaxy” and hosts live music on the Artists Cube rooftop.