Kunstakademie Düsseldorf Defends Palestinian Artist Lecture Amid Criticism

Three Jewish organizations demanded cancellation of Palestinian artist Basma Al-Sharif's lecture at Kunstakademie Düsseldorf on January 15, citing her social media activity as trivializing terrorism and containing antisemitism. The academy rejected the demand the next day, emphasizing Al-Sharif was invited for her artistic achievements and that antisemitism has no place there. Born in Kuwait in 1983 and based in Berlin, Al-Sharif explores displacement and identity through film, photography, and installation, articulating layered Palestinian perspectives. She is a 2024 Aware Prize finalist with international exhibitions including the 78th Whitney Biennial (2017), fifth Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2022), fourth Hannah Ryggen Triennale (2025), and 13th Gothenburg International Biennial (2025). The German Middle East Studies Association supported the school's decision on January 20, expressing concern about racialized accusations against Palestinian speakers. The lecture will proceed with moderation and contextualization to ensure a respectful setting. The event was scheduled to proceed as planned at publication time.