By Jessica Stewart on December 17, 2024

Aya Juha for the exhibition “Human Not Numbers,” 2024, North Gaza, Palestine

“No war can stop the dreams of dreamers, and no mechanisms of domination extinguish the light in the hearts and minds of creators.”

Against all odds and in the face of war, Palestinian artists in Gaza have remained creative. Now, over 40 of them have come together to launch the Gaza Biennale. Currently in the funding phase, the group is looking for partner institutions in and out of Gaza to host a series of events that will showcase the powerful voices of these artists.

According to The Guardian, some of the artists were able to cross into Egypt at the start of the war, while others continue to create while in a war zone.  While these artists may not be able to participate physically, they will attempt to recreate their work remotely or send digital copies. Occasionally, they may also be able to send out artwork with aid workers.

“No war can stop the dreams of dreamers, and no mechanisms of domination extinguish the light in the hearts and minds of creators,” say the organizers in a manifesto posted to their website.

“Lost” by Yasmeen Al Daya (2024)

My Modern Met had the opportunity to hear from three artists involved in the project, as they each share why they are participating in the Gaza Biennale and why they keep pushing forward to be creative even in this time of war.[…]

More: 40+ Palestinian Artists Plan ‘Gaza Biennale’ as an Act of Resilience