Art and activism in times of polarization. Discussion space on the Middle East conflict

The symposium with international guests will be curated by the political scientist Saba-Nur Cheema and the historian and author Meron Mendel and will discuss questions about the responsibility of political art in the current context of the Middle East conflict. In particular, the topics of anti-Semitism, racism, artistic freedom and expressions of solidarity in the art world will be addressed.

Important questions such as ‘Does art have the potential to promote solidarity and peace in the Middle East?’ and ‘How can a constructive debate on artistic freedom be conducted in Germany?’ will be discussed, as well as ‘How can borders and exclusionary practices in art and cultural institutions be avoided?’ The introductory keynote will be held by Hito Steyerl. The international speakers include Candice Breitz, Eyal Weizman, Osama Zatar, Leon Kahane, Andreas Fanizadeh, Ruth Patir and Muhammad Toukhy.

Cheema and Mendel recently published the highly acclaimed discourse programme ‘Reflexes and Reflections. The 7th of October, the Gaza War and the German Debate’ for the Berliner Festspiele in June 2024. Both have been involved in Jewish-Muslim dialogue for many years, work against anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims and are particularly concerned with the effects of the Middle East conflict on coexistence in Germany.

The symposium offers a space for dialogue and controversy. Voices from different perspectives, including Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and German guests, will be heard.

10:15 - 10:45 a.m.

Welcome by Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel

10:45 - 12:45

Panel 1: ‘Israel as a question of opinion. What role does the

Middle East conflict play in the art world?’

Panellists: Candice Breitz, Osama Zatar, Andreas Fanizadeh,

Leon Kahane

Moderation: Elke Buhr

13:45 - 14:10

Impulses: Situation of Israeli, Jewish, Palestinian and Muslim artists in Berlin

Speaker: Sharon On and Raphael Malik

14:10 - 16:10

Panel 2: ‘Cultural boycott: intentions, effects and criticism’

Panellists: Ruth Patir, Remsi Al Khalisi, Muhammad Toukhy, Eyal Weizman

Moderation: Meron Mendel

Symposium day ticket: €5

A maximum of 2 tickets per person can be purchased via the online shop: www.smb.museum/nng-symposium

There is no box office. Please note that capacity is limited

is limited and admission is only possible with a valid ticket.

The symposium will be held bilingually in German and English. Simultaneous translation will be available via headphones.

The symposium is made possible by funding from the Berlin Senate Department for Culture and Social Cohesion.

Sunday, 24 November 2024, 10 am - 4.30 pm

Venue: Berlin State Library, Otto-Braun-Saal, Potsdamer Straße 37, 10785 Berlin