The Mosaic Rooms, a London-based non-profit art gallery and cultural space that is part of the A.M. Qattan Foundation, has called for a strike this Friday, 31st May, to condemn the violent destruction and recent attacks in Gaza. Known for representing contemporary culture from the Arab world and beyond, The Mosaic Rooms is urging UK and international arts and cultural colleagues to join them in this strike to demand immediate action against the ongoing crisis.
“As we witness the violent destruction of a whole society in Gaza and the horrific recent attacks on Rafah, we, the entire staff at The Mosaic Rooms, are calling on all UK and international arts and cultural colleagues to strike this Friday, 31st May,” reads the statement from The Mosaic Rooms. “We believe that to continue operating in a world where this is allowed to happen is unconscionable and unacceptable.”
The initiative calls on colleagues in the arts and cultural sectors to leverage their platforms and resources to pressure their governments to demand a ceasefire, cease arms sales to, and impose sanctions against Israel, and to end the Israeli occupation. The Mosaic Rooms is also encouraging organizations to acknowledge their complicity, whether through their funders and benefactors or through the lack of visibility and censorship for voices in support of and from Palestine.
The call to action is not limited to the arts community in the UK. Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue has also announced its participation in the strike. “Together with our galleries in Alserkal Avenue, our colleagues internationally, and as initiated by @themosaicrooms, our offices will remain closed on Friday, 31st May, in solidarity with the people of Palestine,” reads their statement.
The strike initiative emphasizes the importance of giving communities space and time to gather, discuss, and grieve. It calls on individuals and organizations to listen and learn from their communities, fostering a supportive environment for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
As this movement gains momentum, it highlights the role of the arts and cultural sectors in advocating for social justice and human rights.
