Jenin Creative Cultural Centre

The Jenin Creative Cultural Centre (J3C) was founded in 2005 in response to ongoing violence in the Jenin refugee camp. In the face of conflict and occupation, the Centre emerged as a safe and creative space for young Palestinians, using art, culture, and education as tools to promote peace, justice, and equity.

J3C’s vision is to empower the younger generation to become active leaders in their community and beyond. By providing children and youth with meaningful, constructive outlets—such as artistic workshops, dance classes, theatre and music performances, puppet shows, and school-based clown performances—the Centre helps them process trauma, reduce depression, and express themselves creatively amid the harsh realities of life in Palestine.

The Centre operates both locally and internationally. In addition to its wide range of activities within Jenin and surrounding communities, J3C also brings its message abroad. The Centre has organized international performances and exhibitions, including a music show in London, a dance performance in Sweden, a theatre act in Venice and Berlin, and numerous art exhibitions across the globe. These events not only give visibility to Palestinian culture and creativity, but also generate international media coverage and public awareness of life under occupation.

To date, J3C has brought more than 100 children from Jenin to visit countries around the world—an invaluable experience for Palestinian youth. These cultural exchanges allow them to see life beyond the borders of Palestine, share their stories with global audiences, and build bridges of understanding across cultures.

J3C also prioritizes youth development and civic engagement through educational training, workshops, and seminars. These initiatives equip young people with the skills and confidence to shape their own futures and contribute positively to their communities. The Centre actively promotes values of tolerance, reconciliation, non-violence, and democracy—encouraging youth to share their perspectives, participate in cultural dialogue, engage in volunteer work, and take part in environmental initiatives.

Through all of its work, J3C remains committed to uplifting the voices of Palestinian youth and harnessing the power of creativity to foster resilience, healing, and global solidarity.