Email: info@sunbula.org Facebook: sunbulafairtrade
Instagram: sunbulapalestine Website: www.sunbula.org
Sunbula is a Jerusalem-based, non-profit, Fairtrade organization that supports Palestinian craft producers, be they women‘s groups, artisan cooperatives, and disabled people‘s organizations. Sunbula was established in 1996 in Jerusalem and supports approximately 2,000 artisans through 19 Palestinian cooperatives to preserve and modernize ancient cultural art forms that ensure the survival of traditions that are at the heart of a resilient community. By promoting traditional handicrafts locally and internationally, Sunbula supports economic self-help efforts by those living in difficult conditions throughout Palestine. Sunbula helps to ensure that the artisans have access to the raw materials, equipment, training, and markets they need to sell their products.
With the aim of preserving Palestinian cultural heritage and creating a job market for women, Sunbula is helping artisans develop their skills and products to be economically empowered and able to start and develop their own projects. Many producers in this guide have benefited and developed from Sunbula’s support in marketing, production and training.
Sunbula’s website is an invaluable source of information on the craft traditions of Palestine, including embroidery, weaving, olive woodcarvings, ceramics, and much more. Guiding the consumer how to shop ethically, Sunbula is a great project to support and follow. They also hold regular open days in their beautiful garden in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of Jerusalem, where artisans have the opportunity to showcase their latest designs and shoppers have the chance to support producers, especially during holiday seasons and annual festivals.
Sunbula is also located in a beautiful old building in Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in Jerusalem. In this location, Sunbula hosts artisan markets to showcase the work of its partners in its small but beautiful court and offer tranditional Palestinanian food. Make sure to pay them a visit next time you’re in Jerusalem and looking for some inspiring artisan products.