Help Sahar Damoni Pursue Artistic Freedom in Germany

Hi, Marhaba, مرحبا…

My name is Sahar Damoni, and I am a Palestinian-Christian Arab choreographer and dancer. Today, I am reaching out to my global community for support during a life-changing transition relocating from Palestine/Israel to Germany.

As a Palestinian with Israeli citizenship (known as Arab 1948) inside the green line, my existence is caught in a complex web of political and societal challenges that have deeply impacted my personal and artistic life. The ongoing conflict has made everything even more difficult, and it has become painfully clear that in order to truly live freely and fully pursue my career, I needed to relocate.

A Bit About Me:

I come from Shefa-Amer, an Arab city near the Sea of Galilee. My family has lived in this region for generations, but after the land was occupied in 1948, it became part of Israel/Palestine. Despite this, we remained in our ancestral home.

I hold a Bachelor’s in Dance and Movement for Practicing Teachers from Kibbutzim College and a BA in Business Management from Derby University in the UK. Over the past 13 years, I’ve worked as an independent choreographer, focusing on the complexities of being a woman in Palestinian society and the challenges that come with being an Arab living under occupation. My body has become my sanctuary, a space through which I explore identity, womanhood, and resilience through movement. You can watch a sample of my work here: Eat Banana and Drink Pills Trailer.

My choreography has been presented at several international festivals, including the Holland Dance Festival, Fabrik Potsdam, Frauenkirche Dresden, and the Movement Research Festival in New York, to name a few.

The Reality of My Struggles:

Despite my recognition abroad, it is incredibly difficult to secure support for my work while living in Palestine/Israel, especially amidst the current political climate. Funding and opportunities for independent artists like me are scarce, and the conflict has only intensified these struggles. Performances are being canceled, I have no stable place to work, and my income is uncertain.

I had always dreamed of moving to Europe to pursue my art. However, I never imagined it would happen under such immensely difficult circumstances, amidst war, and with so little preparation. Currently, I find myself in constant survival mode—physically, emotionally, and economically—unable to fully live or create the art I long to share.

The Decision to Move:

After much contemplation, I made the difficult decision to relocate to Germany. This move is essential for my survival, growth, and artistic freedom. It will allow me to create work without the restrictions I face here and live my life fully, both as an artist and as a woman in between two spaces and two cultures.

However, moving to a new country brings many challenges and expenses, and I need your support through this time of transition.

What I Need:

I am currently in Germany on a Fiktionsbescheinigung (a temporary residence permit) while I await the final decision on my residency visa application. The Fiktionsbescheinigung, received after a three-month waiting period, confirms my legal presence for another three months. However, critically, it does not authorize me to work in Germany or travel internationally for work. This restriction creates a significant financial hardship, as I am unable to generate income or pursue professional opportunities.

To bridge this gap until my visa is approved (which may take several more months), I am raising €18,000. These funds will cover essential expenses, including:

Relocation costs

Housing (Rent for private room in shared apartment + electricity, water, wifi)

Health insurance (required for visa application)

Visa & Legal fees

Living expenses (groceries, transportation, mobile phone, miscellaneous)

Taxes (18%)

Your support will be instrumental in enabling me to establish myself in Germany and focus on rebuilding my life and artistic career.

Why Your Support Matters:

This move is not just about me; it is an investment in my artistic future. Your support will help amplify a unique and important voice in the international arts community. It will empower me to create art that transcends borders and connects us all.

How You Can Help:

Donate any amount that feels right for you. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference.

Share this message with your network of trusted contacts (please do not post on social media) so that more people can learn about my journey and support my cause.

Please also visit my website {Sahar Damoni} to learn more about my work, watch trailers, and read my artistic statement.

This journey is not possible without your help. I deeply appreciate your time, your generosity, and your belief in the power of art to transform lives.

Thank you, Shukran, شكرا for your support.