The video about ZUMU is available to watch at the top of the page.
ZUMU, a pop-up contemporary art museum, distinguishes itself with a unique approach to fostering multicultural dialogue and tolerance within Israeli society. Since its establishment in 2017 by director and chief curator Milana Gitzin-Adiram, ZUMU has journeyed to various peripheral cities across Israel, showcasing the finest of the nation’s contemporary art. For a deeper understanding of ZUMU’s mission and impact, we encourage you to watch the accompanying video at the top of this page, where Gitzin-Adiram articulates the vision and operations of this unique institution.
The heart of ZUMU’s operation is driven by a social agenda to forge a new, inclusive language that speaks to all members of Israeli society. Designed to mirror the welcoming ambiance of a warm home, the museum extends hospitality to its guests with offerings of tea and cookies upon their arrival. A team of trained local guides spearheads ZUMU tours, cultivating an environment conducive to interactive engagement and dialogue.
Each year, ZUMU materializes in an abandoned space within a peripheral city, following extensive dialogue and cooperation with the local communities. The unveiling of this transformed space into a thriving art exhibit is celebrated as a grand event that highlights the best contemporary art in Israel. Alongside the exhibit, the museum conducts educational activities with local residents, particularly focusing on children who are often experiencing art for the first time.
One of ZUMU’s primary objectives is to weave itself into the local community’s fabric by nurturing close relationships with the host authorities and residents. In this spirit of collaboration, they develop exhibitions and public programs that resonate with the locale’s unique character. The team sets foot in the host city roughly six months before the museum’s opening to research, map, and comprehend the city’s inherent traits, laying the groundwork for fruitful future partnerships. The city itself fuels the inspiration for the exhibit’s theme, the public programs’ design and content, leading to the birth of unique artworks and innovative collaborations.
As illustrated in the accompanying video, Gitzin-Adiram emphasizes ZUMU’s commitment to promoting equality and tolerance in Israel by amplifying diverse voices, fostering a sense of belonging among various communities. Whether you’re a local art enthusiast passionate about art’s intersection with social agenda or an art-loving visitor, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in ZUMU’s uniquely transformative approach to contemporary art.
For our comprehensive cultural guide to Israel, please visit our website or refer to the designated link provided.
