London’s first Gaza Biennale drew attention to the plight of Palestinian artists, coinciding with the New Contemporaries exhibition at the ICA. Protestors urged attendees to challenge the ICA’s ties to Bloomberg Philanthropies, signalling a critical stance against the complicity of UK cultural institutions. The event blended artistic expression with a call for solidarity and support for the Palestinian cause.
On January 15, London hosted its inaugural Gaza Biennale at the ICA, bringing together the works of over 60 Palestinian artists. The event coincided with the private launch of New Contemporaries, an exhibition sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which faces criticism for its links to illegal settlements in Palestine. The Biennale served as both an art show and a protest against the ICA’s affiliations and the overall complicity of cultural organisations in Palestinian oppression.
A substantial crowd gathered outside the ICA, where protestors displayed banners urging attendees to ‘Join us!’ in solidarity with the Gaza Biennale. Despite the confrontational atmosphere, the protestors maintained a non-hostile attitude, inviting curious attendees to learn about their cause, which resulted in some people crossing over to join the protest.
Many attendees expressed hesitance, with one anonymous artist voicing internal conflict about entering the exhibition. This sentiment reflected a broader struggle among artists and visitors to reconcile the significance of supporting Palestinian issues while also appreciating cultural institutions such as the ICA.
As the protest unfolded, a group of artists from the New Contemporaries exhibition stepped outside to express solidarity with the Gaza Biennale and echo calls for the ICA to sever ties with sponsors like Bloomberg. Of the 35 exhibiting artists, 28 signed a statement backing the protest, indicating a significant coalition in favour of these demands.
Fi Isidore and Roo Dhissou, both participating artists, shared their motivations for showing support, underscoring the need for cultural organisations to consider their backing sources. Dhissou, in particular, noted her increasing vocality on Palestine issues after witnessing censorship faced by supporters in the art world prior, emphasising the importance of the Biennale in fostering solidarity amidst widespread repression.
While the ICA acknowledged the protest, a spokesperson dismissed it as misguided due to misconceptions about their funding. They reaffirmed that while Bloomberg continues to sponsor events at the ICA, the funding practices align with the broader arts funding landscape in the UK, which relies heavily on such partnerships to operate effectively.
Following the artist walk-out, the Gaza Biennale exhibition commenced, showcasing innovative works that reflect the resilience of Palestinian artists. Despite challenging circumstances, their creations poignantly convey themes of loss, oppression, and survival, eliciting a powerful reaction from the audience and underscoring the necessity of cultural expression in times of adversity.
The Gaza Biennale aimed to spotlight Palestinian artists and protest against UK cultural institutions’ complicity in the oppression of their people. By calling for the ICA to sever ties with Bloomberg Philanthropies and advocating for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, the Biennale represents a larger movement within the art world aimed at raising awareness and support for Palestine. Artists have faced increasing censorship and pressure, prompting many to openly challenge institutional ties that contradict their advocacy for justice.
The Gaza Biennale marked a significant moment of solidarity and protest against cultural complicity in the oppression of Palestinians. Through bold artistic expression and collective action, participating artists and activists highlighted the importance of cultural resistance amidst ongoing challenges. This event not only showcased Palestinian creativity but also called for a reassessment of institutional relations, emphasising the transformative power of art in the fight for justice.
Original Source: www.dazeddigital.com