Gradus-العتبة is a musical initiative begun by Dina Shilleh in 2017, and which focuses on new music created by local music practitioners in Palestine. In providing opportunities for musicians to perform their musical creations in Palestine, the primary aim of Gradus-العتبة is to gradually increase the general level of output through continuous production of new work in the area. The focus on the creators of the music is important not only for the continuity of creation and production but also from the perspective of documentation; by helping create new music and documenting it in various ways (audio, video, musical scores, writings), Gradus-العتبة aims to leave a clear trail for future musicians and researchers, and also, within the current climate, fight against the cultural erasure happening on the ground.

Gradus-العتبة also works on collaborations between musicians in a variety of settings because it believes that by working together and experimenting through music, a supportive community is created, which will in turn further the continuity of creation and production. Furthermore, music as an art form is, in essence, collaborative in nature; the music created by composers is brought to life through working with performing musicians, and is consequently delivered as an auditory experience to the audience.

Gradus-العتبة also has a knowledge sharing element to its programs, which is intended to gradually increase the understanding of music as an art form and, more specifically, how it is created. This is in an attempt to help our audiences understand the musical works that they are being presented, in order to enhance their experience of it and hence strengthen this essential relationship between musicians and their audiences.