Palestinian children participate in an art activity at the Bethlehem Peace Center. (Haytham Othman, Maan Images)

Situated in the heart of Bethlehem, directly between the Church of the Nativity and the Mosque of Omar on Manger Square, the Bethlehem Peace Center stands as a symbol of this West Bank city's reputation for coexistence, and is one of the premier cultural institutions and performance venues in Palestine.

Constructed in 1999, after the signing of an agreement of cooperation between the Bethlehem Municipality and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) which included the renovation of Manger Square as well as the construction of a modern, multi-purpose cultural center and performance venue, the Peace Center opened its doors in July 2000.

The center's ground floor features a spacious lobby and reception area that includes a tourist information office and bookshop featuring literature as well as Palestinian handicrafts and other gifts, while the second floor is occupied by three large exhibition halls that host rotating exhibitions of local and international art, and a 200-seat auditorium where film screenings, lectures and live performances are held.

In addition to hosting a variety of exhibitions of art from Palestine and abroad, and putting on twice-monthly performances by local musicians, the Peace Center also sponsors special activities for women and children. Each Friday morning, the center hosts youth activities including art projects, film screenings, book readings and lecture series, aimed at fostering a positive environment in which local children can escape the difficulties of everyday life under Israeli occupation.

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The center also hosts regular events for women and sponsors numerous outreach programs that unite women from Bethlehem with those from surrounding villages through cultural events and community projects.

In spite the difficulties posed by the ongoing construction of Israel's separation barrier - which continues to encircle Bethlehem and cement its isolation from Jerusalem - and the ensuing social and economic hardships Bethlehem continues to face, 2008 promises to be a year full of enriching cultural activities at the Bethlehem Peace Center, with a full line up of art exhibitions and musical performances in store.

February 25th saw the opening of the exhibition entitled "Reflection", by Palestinian artist Jawad Ibrahim, whose series of impressionistic paintings are on display in the center's exhibition hall through March 10th. A special "Week of Spain" kicks off on March 12th, and will feature exhibits by a variety of Spanish artists.

In addition, March will also see the grand opening of the center's cafe/restaurant, envisioned as a meeting place where local residents and international visitors can mingle and engage in cross-cultural communication.

In its ongoing efforts to address the needs of the local community, the center also plans to expand its outreach activities in the coming year, including the launch of a program targeting the elderly community in Bethlehem, and expanded lecture series on topics ranging from family health to the history and archaeology of the region.