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Conference Artwork
The conference artwork (pictured right), commissioned by ATGENDER, was created by Shatha Safi in collaboration with Dima Akram, founder of Centro Montanha de Azeitonas, Lisbon, which represents Palestinian artists both in Palestine and the diaspora. For more information on Shatha, Dima, and Centro Montanha de Azeitonas's work, please read below.
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Shatha Safi
Shatha Safi is a self-taught visual artist whose work is deeply inspired by Palestinian history, heritage, and resistance. She explores various mediums, including ink sketches, clay sculptures, acrylic paintings, and type design. As the founder of Bint El-Shams, a conceptual art project, she uses mixed media to reinterpret cultural symbols in innovative ways.
Her art has been exhibited extensively in Palestine, including her debut clay sculptures under the Bint El-Shams title at the Palestinian Art Court in Jerusalem (2018). She has participated in group exhibitions across Palestinian cities and internationally, such as the Blooming Sisterhood: Towards Liberation exhibition in the United States (2022). Her notable local exhibitions include Taa’ Al Ta’nith and Sarab, both held at the Yabous Cultural Center in Jerusalem (2022).
In November 2022, Shatha launched her first solo exhibition, Raqsh, in partnership with the Yabous Cultural Center during the Jerusalem Festival for Popular Arts. The exhibit featured clay sculptures depicting Palestinian thobes from various villages and cities.
Beyond her exhibitions, Shatha has collaborated with artists, musicians, and social workers on community projects and led art workshops for children and women at institutions like Dar Al Majus, Bethlehem University, and Yabous Cultural Center. She previously taught art at Diyar Academy for Children, nurturing creativity in younger generations.
Living under apartheid, Shatha describes her art as "an ink and clay Molotov cocktail" of resistance, using imagination and creativity to challenge oppression and celebrate Palestinian identity.

Dima Akram – Palestinian Artist | Activist | Founder of Montanha de Azeitonas and Seeds of Hope
Dima Akram is a Palestinian artist, activist, and cultural advocate based in Lisbon, Portugal. With a commitment to bridging Palestinian identity with international and local communities, Dima uses art as a tool for cultural preservation, resistance, and social change. Her work spans various artistic disciplines, intersecting visual art, performance, and activism, reflecting her dedication to expanding the boundaries of artistic expression and highlighting the ongoing struggle for Palestinian justice.
As the founder of Montanha de Azeitonas – Palestinian Art and Cultural Center in Lisbon, Dima has created a platform for Palestinian artists to showcase their work, engage with local communities, and introduce Palestinian narratives to the world. The center is an evolving cultural space that celebrates Palestinian art, history, and resistance while fostering dialogue.
A dedicated advocate for Palestinian rights, Dima’s work focuses on the intersection of art, identity, and resistance. Her curatorial practice weaves together narratives of struggle, survival, and hope, creating spaces where Palestinian culture, history, and resilience can be shared with the world. Dima's dynamic, evolving creative practice underscores her belief that art is essential for provoking thought, challenging perceptions, and fostering meaningful conversations about justice and human rights.

Montanha de Azeitonas Mission Statement
Montanha de Azeitonas, based in Lisbon, is the first art and cultural center in Portugal dedicated to celebrating Palestinian art, literature, and culture. We proudly showcase the works of Palestinian artists from both Palestine and the diaspora, as well as supporters of Palestine from around the world. Our aim is to bring their creativity to audiences in Portugal and across Europe whenever opportunities arise.
As a vibrant hub for Palestinian creativity, we foster solidarity, inspire understanding, and encourage appreciation for Palestinian heritage and resilience. Through artistic expression, education, and community engagement, we strive to amplify voices, share stories, and create meaningful dialogue about Palestinian culture and the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
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