Get out artistically This week, the Manofim event – the opening of the exhibition season in Jerusalem – kicks off in various galleries and venues across the city. One is taking place at the Agrippas 12 gallery, the first (and so far in the city the only) gallery owned by artists as a collective. The gallery will show an exhibition that takes visitors outside the venue, into the courtyard and close to passersby. It is curated by Leora Wise and Max Epstein, and features works by various local artists. The exhibition, called “The Courtyard is Always Open,” is open every day between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Get more details at www.agripas12gallery.com. Heard loud and clear The 0202 Facebook page, opened about seven months ago, is a local initiative to provide news and commentary, as well as local stories that feed the east Jerusalem sector. The team behind the initiative, led by Michal Shilor and backed by the Jerusalem Intercultural Center, strives to present daily life for Arab residents of the city, who post thoughts, stories and information. The posts are translated into Hebrew by a group of volunteers, mostly students in Middle Eastern studies. Short videos, news and short stories, as well as political statements – some which are not easy on Israeli eyes and ears, but nevertheless give a realistic picture of the state of mind of the city's Arab sector – are all brought to the 0202 site. At an evening that was open to the public earlier this week at the Ginot Ha'ir community center, Shilor presented the site and its contents along with commentary by Eran Zidkyahu, a social activist and scholar of Middle Eastern studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Ami Meytal, formerly a Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) official and now with the Jerusalem Development Authority in charge of planning in the Old City. Hall of fame and praise The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, which represents millions of Christian Zionists from around the world, has obtained approval from the municipal planning and construction committee to build a large center for events and activities. The building will be constructed in Talpiot, overlooking the eastern side of the city, and will include large plates of glass interwoven with Jerusalem stone. It will host conventions and rallies, and was designed by Israeli architects.