Over 1,000 artists boycott Arnolfini Centre in Bristol over alleged censorship of Palestinian culture
More than 1,000 artists, such as Brian Eno and Robert del Naja, have endorsed an open letter that calls for a boycott of the Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol. This action follows the venue's decision to cancel two events related to the Palestine Film Festival: a screening of Fahra and a poetry reading featuring Lowkey. The artists claim that Arnolfini is suppressing Palestinian culture and are urging others to join their stance. While Arnolfini stated it aimed to avoid political repercussions, the artists counter that the center has a history of hosting politically relevant events. The letter demands a reaffirmation of Arnolfini's commitment to free expression. Additionally, an Italian art workers' letter, released on December 8, 2023, has garnered over 3,000 signatures, denouncing alleged genocide in Palestine and addressing issues of censorship.
Key facts
- Over 1,000 artists have signed a boycott letter against Arnolfini Centre for Contemporary Arts in Bristol.
- The boycott is in response to the cancellation of two Palestine Film Festival events: a film screening of Fahra and a poetry reading by Lowkey.
- Signatories include Brian Eno, Robert del Naja, Tai Shani, Ben Rivers, Alice Oswald, and Rachel Holmes.
- Arnolfini cancelled the events citing a desire to avoid political implications.
- The artists accuse Arnolfini of hypocrisy, noting its history of hosting politically engaged events.
- The cancelled events will proceed at other Bristol venues.
- An Italian open letter published on December 8, 2023, has over 3,000 signatures.
- The Italian letter denounces cultural institutions' silence and national policies regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- A similar Artforum petition from October 19, 2023, was later moderated after protests from the Israeli cultural community.
Entities
Artists
- Brian Eno
- Robert del Naja
- Massive Attack
- Tai Shani
- Ben Rivers
- Alice Oswald
- Rachel Holmes
- Lowkey
Institutions
- Arnolfini International Centre for Contemporary Arts
- Palestine Film Festival
- Artforum
Locations
- Bristol
- England
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Israel
- Palestine