News / arnolfini
Arnolfini closes over weekend to prevent further protests
The Arnolfini did not open its doors on Saturday and Sunday in order “to take care of the team”.
The decision to close over the weekend was taken as a second protest was due to take place inside the art gallery on Sunday afternoon following the decision to cancel two Bristol Palestine Film Festival events at the venue.
A sit-in had already happened on Friday attended by around 60 protesters.
is needed now More than ever
The Bristol Beer Factory bar at the Arnolfini also remained closed on Saturday and Sunday.
A note attached to the windows of the bar said: “Bristol Beer Factory operate the Arnolfini cafe-bar independently from the Gallery. We were as shocked and surprised as most people have been by the decision the galiery have taken to cancel their film event. We are an independent business who keep the Bristol community at the forefront of how we operate. Unfortunately with the safety and well being of our staff being a primary focus of ours, we have felt the need to shut our doors. We have taken this difficult decision to close for the weekend due to being the only Arnolfini affiliated business who were prepared to open.”
A sign saying ‘art is political’ on a bench opposite the Arnolfini – photo: Martin Booth
On top of a few of the adverts next to the Arnolfini, blank white sheets had been pasted up inviting passers-by to write comments about the art gallery’s decision.
One comment said: “It’s all about the money, stakeholders, investors. Follow the money to get your answer. Shame on the Arnolfini directors for now having the cojones to take part in the Palestinian Film Festival.”
Another person had written: “At a recent event the Arnolfini said that they support artists with challenging views. Now we know that they are hypocrites.”
In a statement, the Arnolfini said that “hosting events which combine film, performance and discussion panels meant we could not be confident that the event would not stray into political activity”.
Watershed has stepped in to host the film screening that the Arnolfini was originally due to host, while Sparks in Broadmead is now the venue for the poetry evening, with the festival running from December 2 to 10.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- Protesters stage sit-in after Arnolfini cancels Palestine Film Festival events
- Gallery makes ‘difficult’ decision to cancel Palestine-themed arts events
- Thousands march through Bristol calling for ceasefire in Palestine
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