News / arnolfini
Protesters stage sit-in after Arnolfini cancels Palestine Film Festival events
Around 60 people staged a ‘sit-in’ at the Arnolfini on Friday evening to protest against the art gallery’s decision to cancel two events they were due to stage as part of the Bristol Palestine Film Festival.
UWE were also criticised by protesters, with the Arnolfini being a ‘subsidiary charity’ of the university since 2019.
“Arnolfini, shame on you” and “UWE, shame on you,” were among chants by the protesters who were sat close to the main entrance, with gallery visitors still able to view the paintings on display the other side of the wall and customers sat enjoying an after-work drink in the bar.
is needed now More than ever
“Art is political,” one of the protesters had written on a banner. “Cancelling these events is censorship.”
That comment was in response to the Arnolfini saying it had made the “challenging” and “difficult” decision as they put a strain on the legal requirement for arts charities to remain apolitical.
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 – also an arts charity – 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.
Another sit-in at the Arnolfini is due to take place on Sunday afternoon.
Around 60 people took part in the sit-in at the Arnolfini – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read next:
- Gallery makes ‘difficult’ decision to cancel Palestine-themed arts events
- Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters hold sit-in at Temple Meads
- Hundreds of pro-Palestine supporters march through Bristol
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