Bezalel Academy of Art and Design

Bezalel Academy of Art and Design is Israel's national school of art. It is named after the Biblical figure Bezalel, son of Uri, who was appointed by Moses to oversee the design and construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30).

History

Many early Zionists, including Theodore Herzl, felt that Israel needed to have a national style of art combining Jewish, Middle Eastern, and European traditions. This style was named "Bezalel" (Hebrew for "in God's shadow") as an illustration of God's creativity being channeled to a man of flesh and blood, providing the source of inspiration to Bezalel ben Uri in the construction of the holy ark.

Related Topics:
Zionist - Theodore Herzl - Jewish - Middle East - Europe

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It was founded in 1906, but was cut off from its supporters in Europe by World War 1, and closed due to financial difficulties in 1929. It was re-opened as New Bezalel School for Arts and Crafts in 1935, attracting many of it teachers and students from Germany. In 1969 it was converted into a state-supported institution and took its current name. It finished relocating to its current campus in 1990.

Related Topics:
1906 - World War 1 - 1929 - 1935 - Germany - 1969 - 1990

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