Oren Itzhaki

CEO

Na Laga'at Center

Israel

5 profile visitsSpeaker

My organisation

The Na Laga’at Center; an Unforgettable Cultural Experience The Nalaga'at Center stands as a remarkable institution that's transforming perceptions of inclusion, creativity, and human potential. More than a cultural hub, it's a revolutionary model creating equal employment opportunities and professional training for individuals with sensory disabilities, while raising public awareness through sensory-rich experiences and meaningful interactions. Na Laga'at Theatre & School; Stage beyond Senses At the core of Na Laga'at is its world-renowned Theatre - the only one of its kind globally, where deaf, blind, and deaf-blind actors take center stage. Beyond showcasing talent, each of the many productions within our diverse repertoire, demonstrates the creation of a new cultural language, where communication transcends sensory limitations and creativity bridges gaps. In 2022, Na Laga'at took another pioneering step by launching Israel's first School of Performing Arts for individuals with sensory disabilities. This cutting-edge program offers professional training, nurturing the next generation of artists and advocates for inclusion. The program inspires theater schools globally, and we actively train educators across Europe to embrace and implement our inclusive approach. Explore, Dine, Learn; Our Sensory Experiences The BlackOut is Israel's only dark restaurant, where blind and visually impaired waiters guide diners through a sensory journey that awakens senses and opens minds. Here, in the complete darkness, guests discover a new appreciation for the unseen world navigated daily by the visually impaired. At the Kapish Events Complex, sign language flows gracefully as deaf and hearing-impaired staff host gatherings that bridge the gap between silent and spoken words. It's a space where communication barriers fall away, replaced by understanding and connection. Our venue hosts conferences, cultural and professional meet-ups, for a diverse range of groups, while embracing inclusive communication practices. The Workshop Center stands as a testament to Na Laga'at's commitment to experiential learning, offering a range of unique and creative workshops in either darkness or full light. Participants of all backgrounds engage in immersive experiences led by deaf, blind, and deaf-blind instructors. From sculpting in darkness to navigating soundless spaces, as well as sensory-rich wine, beer, chocolate and cheese tastings, these workshops foster empathy and shatter preconceptions about disability. Our Commitment to an Inclusive Workforce The Na Laga'at center is unwaveringly committed to employment equality. Of the center's 100 strong workforce, 70% are individuals with sensory disabilities. This bold statement proves that talent, creativity, and professionalism know no sensory bounds.
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About me

EDUCATION:

2015- BA graduate, Open University.

2013- Operational management course graduate, Mishlav College. 2003- Business management course for institutions of art and culture graduate, Recanati School of business, Tel Aviv University.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

2017- CEO, Nalaga'at Center.

2004-2017- V.P. at THE Mediatek Holon (including the design museum, Mediatek museum, the Holon Cinemateque, comics Museum , Library and the Center for digital art. The Mediatek is a body associated with the cultural development company for arts and is a subsidiary body of the city of Holon. Position required:

 Responsible for all operational aspects of the Mediatek and all production budgets up to 30,000,000 ILS, including bids. Accompanying all projects from early stages to execution.

 Management of all operational costs associated with the Mediatek Theater taking place both at the Mediatek and across the country with over 600 shows per year.

 Mediatek Board member.

 Supervision of all requests for support submitted to Ministry of culture.

 Liaison between the Mediatek and the municipality of Holon.  Producing the Holon fashion week and Israel Festival for children including planning, budgetary and execution.

 Pricing all Mediatek offered activities for potential clients including privet and public organizations including the ministry of education's "Sal tarbut" committee.

 Responsible for day to day operational and logistics needs.

 Management of 7 departments including technical, maintenance, production, event, accessibility and security.

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Additional questions

Title (Academic/Diplomatic/Aristocratic/Political)

manager

Pronouns

he/him

Areas of Activity

Employment

Supported EmploymentInclusive Arts

Other Areas of Activity

EducationIndependent Living and Political ParticipationAccessibility

At #ZeroCon25, I am looking for...

ConsultingIncrease expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesNetworkingProject Cooperations

At #ZeroCon25, I am offering...

Increase expertise in accessibility and inclusionInvitations to international conferencesNetworkingProject CooperationsConsultingFinancing/Investment

Speaker sessions (1)

Thursday, 6 March 2025

13:40 - 14:40

Arts as a job promotor

Format:In-personLocation:M3Track:Zero Project Awardees
  • Supported Employment
  • Inclusive Arts
  • English captions | International Sign

The arts are essential to societal cohesion around the world and provide respite for all. This session features Zero Project Awardees that have excelled in creating sustainable employment programmes in the fields of theater, film, music, and museums.