More than 1,300 artists have signed a letter accusing cultural institutions in Western countries of “repressing, silencing and stigmatising Palestinian voices and perspectives.”
Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman and Olivier Award winners Harriet Walter and Juliet Stevenson are among the signatories.
“We find it deeply troubling and, frankly, indicative of a disturbing double standard that expressions of solidarity, which have been readily offered to other peoples facing brutal oppression, have not been extended to Palestinians,” read the letter.
The artists called on the arts and culture sector to call for a ceasefire, stand up for artists who voice support for Palestinian rights and amplify the work of Palestinian artists.
“The struggle for freedom from racism for Palestinians and Jews is one of collective liberation. We refuse to pit one community against the other and stand firmly against all forms of racism, including Islamophobia and antisemitism,” the letter added.
