Santa's Ghetto

I know it's a few weeks old but I couldn't pass this one up. Banksy and friends are at it again this Christmas. In what they are calling "probably the world's most low-concept art event," they are showing in one of the most unlikely places on the planet... a former chicken shop on Manger Square in Bethlehem opposite the Church of the Nativity. This puts them one mile behind the security wall in a part of the world ravaged by conflict, poverty and dust.

Of course, Santa's Ghetto is making a statement but according to the artists "it’s obviously not the job of a loose collection of idiot doodlers to tell you what’s right or wrong about this situation, so you’re advised to do further reading yourself (this month’s National Geographic has an excellent article all about Bethlehem)."

In addition to the "show," many urban art pieces can be seen around Bethlehem and especially on the Wall. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this is the fact that these incredibly well-known/identity-unknown artists are selling their art with all proceeds going to the children affected most by this conflict. "Every shekel made in the store will be used on local projects for children and young people. Not one cent will go to any political groups, governmental institutions or, in fact, any grown-ups at all."