Welcome Our Newest Member: Dar al-Kalima University (DAK)

We are proud to introduce our newest member: Dar al-Kalima University (DAK), Bethlehem, Palestine. 

Dar al-Kalima University (DAK), located in Bethlehem, is the first and only Palestinian university dedicated to arts, culture, and design. Established in 1995 and becoming a full-fledged university in 2021, DAK offers academic programmes ranging from associate diplomas to PhDs across five faculties: Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Fine Arts, Architecture and Design, Cultural Management, and the Technical Community College. 

DAK is committed to educating creative leaders who can drive social transformation and community engagement through arts and culture. The University offers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including architecture, dance, design, fashion, film, fine art, music, photography, theatre, art therapy, management of cultural institutions, interior design, graphic design, sports management, cultural and sustainable tourism, culinary arts, and jewellery. Its strategic priorities include integrating AI into arts education, promoting lifelong learning with a community focus, and advancing decolonisation efforts. 

The University is particularly committed to highlighting the resilience of Palestinian artists, including those in Gaza who continue to create art and provide art therapy amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Through supporting cultural expression, DAK cultivates students’ artistic practice and develops socially engaged creative leaders in Palestine and the broader Middle East. 

On joining ELIA, DAK shared: "As a university for the arts, culture and design in Palestine, we seek to join ELIA to connect with a global community committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange. In the face of ongoing challenges, we aim to communicate our students' unique expressions, share our stories, and build meaningful partnerships that transcend borders. Joining ELIA will empower our faculty and students through access to international networks, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, exchange and growth. We believe our presence will contribute to a richer, more diverse artistic discourse within the ELIA community." 

Connect with and learn more about Dar al-Kalima University by visiting their website. We warmly welcome them to the ever-growing ELIA community, and we look forward to working together. 
 
Welcome to ELIA!