Art and activism in times of polarization. Discussion space on the Middle East conflict
At the same time as the opening of the exhibition "Nan Goldin. This Will Not End Well", the Neue Nationalgalerie is hosting a one-day symposium entitled "Art and Activism in Times of Polarization: Discussion Space on the Middle East Conflict" on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in the Otto Braun Hall of the Berlin State Library.
The occasion is a critical examination of current forms of activism in contemporary art. The symposium, curated by political scientist Saba-Nur Cheema and historian and author Meron Mendel, examines the role and responsibility of political art in the context of the Middle East conflict.
Key topics include anti-Semitism, racism, artistic freedom and expressions of solidarity in the art world.
Key questions to be discussed include "Can art contribute to solidarity and peace in the Middle East?" and "How can a constructive debate on artistic freedom be conducted in Germany?" as well as "How can exclusion practices and boundaries in art and cultural institutions be overcome?"
The opening conference will be held by Hito Steyerl, and the international speakers include Candice Breitz, Osama Zatar, Leon Kahane, Ruth Patir, Hasnain Kazim and Mohammed Toukhy.
Cheema and Mendel, who have already curated the well-received discourse program "Reflexes and Reflections. October 7th, the Gaza War and the German Debate" for the Berlin Festival in June 2024, have been active in Jewish-Muslim dialogue for years, are committed to combating anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and are particularly examining the effects of the Middle East conflict on coexistence in Germany.
The symposium creates a space for exchange and debate in which diverse voices – including Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and German perspectives – will be heard.
Program
10 a.m.
Welcome by Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel
10.30 a.m.
Keynote: “Art, activism and responsibility”
Speaker: Hito Steyerl
Moderation: Saba-Nur Cheema
11.30 a.m.
Panel 1: “Israel’s attitude. What role does the Middle East conflict play in the art world?"
Panelists: Candice Breitz, Osama Zatar, Hasnain Kazim, Leon Kahane
Moderation: Elke Buhr
2 p.m.
Short input: "Situation of Israeli artists in Berlin"
Speaker: Sharon On
2.10 p.m.
Panel 2: "Sense (and nonsense) of the cultural boycott of Israel"
Panelists: Ruth Patir, Mohammed Toukhy, Remsi Al Khalisi
Moderation: Meron Mendel
5.30 p.m.
Evening program (tba)
There is no box office on the day. Please note that capacity is limited and admission is only possible with a valid ticket.
The symposium will be held bilingually in German and English. Simultaneous translation is available via headphones.
Kalender
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24 Nov
10:00 o'clock
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Haus Potsdamer Straße) - Otto-Braun-Saal, Potsdamer Str. 33,
10785
Berlin