Over 1,300 artists accuse cultural institutions of censorship on Palestine

More than 1,300 artists and cultural figures have signed a statement accusing arts institutions in western countries of censoring Palestinian voices and solidarity. 

The letter was signed by Academy Award-winning actress Olivia Colman, and Olivier Award winners Harriet Walter and Juliet Stevenson, among hundreds of others. 

"As artists, we cannot remain silent in the face of such egregious violations of international humanitarian law," the letter states.

"While catastrophe unfolds, we have observed a glaring absence of statements of solidarity with Palestinian people from most UK arts organisations."

It adds: "Far from supporting our calls for an end to the violence, many cultural institutions in Western countries are systematically repressing, silencing and stigmatising Palestinian voices and perspectives.

This includes targeting and threatening the livelihoods of artists and arts workers who express solidarity with Palestinians, as well as cancelling performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions and book launches."

You can read the full letter and list of signatories here.