Arts and Culture Against Genocide and Occupation
How can culture challenge the normalization of violence and open spaces for rights? This session explores the role of the arts in exposing genocide and occupation, the ethics of cultural boycott, and creative alliances that mobilize public opinion. It will present strategies to connect artists and civil society, promote freedom of expression, and sustain cultural ecosystems under repression—from responsibility campaigns to networks that foster collective creation and cultural advocacy.
Speakers
Bill Shipsey
Activist and founder of Art for Human Rights
A retired lawyer and human rights activist for almost 50 years. Founder of Art for Human Rights, which connects artists with human rights organisations. He conceived Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience award and has produced projects such as Instant Karma and The Small Places Tour.
Kettil Myrstrand
Music manager and promoter of No Music for Genocide
No Music for Genocide is a global cultural boycott initiative against Israel, launched in response to the genocide in Gaza. More than a thousand artists and record labels participate by withdrawing or blocking their music in Israel as an act of solidarity with Palestine and to denounce the role of culture in normalising violence.
Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN)
A federation founded in 2015 that brings together thirteen Palestinian institutions dedicated to performing arts —circus, dance, music and theatre— with the aim of strengthening cultural life in Palestine and promoting freedom of expression as a fundamental human right. PPAN fosters artistic cooperation, cultural advocacy and collective creationin communities often affected by occupation and marginalisation.
Kettil Myrstrand i Tiger Hagino
Promoters of campaign No Music for Genocide
Aina Pociello
Manager at Allau Management
Talent manager at the representation agency Allau Management, which represents artists such as Clara Peya - very active in denouncing the genocide - Amaia Miranda or Llum.
Venue
To be defined