Gaza Repository: the role of Cultural Networks in times of war
As a network representing the diverse cultural ecosystem across Europe, CAE is committed to showcasing how this ecosystem has responded—and will continue to respond—to the ongoing war in Gaza. That is why we have decided to create this repository which aims to collect examples of how organizations and individuals within the cultural and creative sectors have addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the violations of human rights and international law in Palestine and Israel.
We hope this collection will help to form a comprehensive picture of how this conflict and humanitarian crisis is impacting Cultural and Creative Sectors in Europe and beyond. We invite you to explore this knowledge base and to to learn from each others’ statements, research and activities in support of those artists, arts organisations and citizens that suffer from the war.
Projects
TEH Solidarity Fund in support of Tiro Arts Organization: Trans Europe Halles
Tiro Association for Arts is a TEH associate and an NGO from #SouthLebanon that since 2014 has worked on encouraging the local communities to engage with culture and the arts outside of religious and political frames. In the light of current events, they have turned the Lebanese National Theatre in Tripoli (North Lebanon) into a shelter where families fleeing from the war in the south can stay and get their necessary daily supplies. The situation on the ground is tough and dangerous and Tiro could do with any help we can offer right now.
Trans Europe Halles has re-activated the “TEH Solidarity Fund” where you can send donations that we will later transfer to Tiro Association.
ELIA Online Repository Organization: ELIA
In response to the Gaza war, ELIA has created an Online Repository featuring examples of how higher arts education stakeholders have responded and continue to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the violations of human rights and international law in Palestine and Israel.
They also released a statement on the “Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Student Protests”, which you can read in full here.
Statements
ENCC
In October 2023, our member ENCC released a brief statement addressing the events unfolding in Gaza and Israel, coupled with a call to action for all members. They urged individuals within our network, as well as across Europe, to foster open and critical dialogue on the Israel-Palestine situation and to advocate for a lasting solution that includes an end to the occupation. They also encouraged them to share any solidarity efforts, awareness-raising campaigns, or peace-promoting initiatives they are involved in or organizing. Since then, they have actively amplified these initiatives through our communication channels, aiming to inspire broader participation and connection.
On the Move In the statement released during the many student arrests and intensified protests against the war in Gaza, On the Move condemned the continuing devastation in Gaza and the failure of global civil society and international powers to halt the carnage. The organization called for an immediate ceasefire and stressed that it is essential for those in the cultural sector to continue to voice their solidarity with artists, cultural actors, and all people impacted.
IETM In light of the attack of Hamas on Israel one year ago, a state of war and massive human suffering has prevailed in the region. Since then, over 43,000 people have been killed. IETM reiterates its statement from 16 October 2023 to call for a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel. The escalation of war, now also in Lebanon, the humanitarian crisis and the continued devastation in Gaza and other battle zones, as well as the occupation of some territories, must not be allowed to continue. Crimes of war must be stopped, return of all hostages held by Hamas and Israel secured, and an immediate and permanent ceasefire and a peaceful resolution in the region must be implemented.