Mr Ashraf Jaraiseh, an expert wood carver from Palestine and Maltese sculptor Savio Deguara . exchanged their craft and demonstrated their art in the Birgu and Valletta open-air markets. This unusual sight of artisans at work in the market attracted a sizeable crowd who also had the opportunity of learning more about Fair Trade and intercultural dialogue. Olive wood was the chosen material by Ashraf, who forms part of the Fair Trade Cooperative ‘Holy Land’ based in the town of Beit Sahour, a few kilometres away from Bethlehem. The cooperative also works closely with Koperattiva Kummerċ Ġust, in Malta, who were partners in this project. Side by side with Ashraf, was the Maltese artist Savio Deguara, who worked on a carving of the Crucifixion of Christ. This sculpture was a work in progress, which Savio had already begun some time before and was continuing during this event.

The 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is an initiative of the European Union with co-funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. St. James Cavalier Centre for Creativity is the National Coordinating Body for the year with Atelier Culture Projects acting as project coordinators and Media Consulta, Media partners for the campaign.

For further information visit www.dialogue2008.eu or www.sjcav.org