Arnolfini Art Center on Boycott list; 1000 artists sign open letter

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
16 Dec 2023 09:47
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In the letter, the artists call on Arnolfini to publicly commit to consistently upholding freedom of expression, without exception for Palestine.

Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts– University of Western England City Campus -undated- (John Perkins Construction)

Over 1,000 artists of different fields, including notable figures such as Ben Rivers, Brian Eno, Adham Faramawy, and Tai Shani, have united in signing an open letter condemning Bristol's Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts, accusing it of censoring Palestinian culture following the cancellation of two events slated for the city's Palestine Film Festival, ARTnews reported.

The canceled events included a screening of "Farha" (2021), a coming-of-age film by Jordanian-Palestinian director Darin J. Sallam, set against the backdrop of the Nakba, the mass exodus of Palestinians from their lands which served as the founding moment of the "Israeli state". Additionally, a poetry reading featuring rapper and activist Lowkey was canceled.

The artists have taken a stand, declaring their refusal to collaborate with Arnolfini or partake in its events, urging their peers to join the boycott.

Back in November, over 2,300 cultural figures, criticized Arnolfini's decision to cancel the "Farha" screening. The institution defended its stance, claiming that, as an arts charity, it was bound by restrictions on promoting what could be perceived as "political activity." However, this explanation was met with skepticism, as critics pointed to past political events hosted by Arnolfini, including a fundraiser for Ukraine disaster relief.

The open letter, signed by a cross-section of artists, argued that the recent cancellations were part of an "alarming pattern of censorship and repression within the arts sector." It cited several instances, including the October cancellation of a conference on antisemitism and racism co-organized by Jewish South African artist Candice Breitz. The German government-run agency behind the conference cited an inability to "lead and moderate this debate constructively". Palestinian artist Emily Jacir also faced a cancellation of her planned talk in Berlin in the same month.

Arnolfini must commit to upholding freedom of expression

The signatories insisted that Arnolfini must publicly commit to consistently upholding freedom of expression, without exception for Palestine. They called for genuine engagement with Bristol's arts community to rectify the perceived harm caused. Until such commitments are made, the artists stand firm in their decision to withhold cooperation with Arnolfini and abstain from participating in any of its events.

1000+ artists vow to no longer work with the Arnolfini or engage with its events and urge their peers in the field to join the boycott. https://t.co/JdCPBgRJru https://t.co/4DlqVAKyOt
— Artists for Palestine UK 🍉 (@Art4PalestineUK) December 14, 2023

Earlier this month, up to 1,300 artists accused Western institutions of silencing Palestinian voices. Actress Olivia Coleman and artist Molly Crabapple are part of a group exceeding 1,300 visual artists, writers, and actors who have endorsed an open letter accusing Western cultural institutions of "silencing and stigmatizing" Palestinian voices and perspectives.

The individuals endorsing the letter argue that these actions encompass "targeting and endangering the livelihoods of artists and art professionals who show solidarity with Palestinians, along with canceling performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions, and book launches."

Published on November 30, the letter originated from Artists for Palestine UK, an organization that had previously released a widely circulated letter in October, urging a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.