Parallel to the opening of the exhibition ‘Nan Goldin. This Will Not End Well’, the Neue Nationalgalerie is hosting a one-day symposium on Sunday, 24 November 2024, entitled ’Art and Activism in Times of Polarisation. Space for Discussion on the Middle East Conflict’ in the Otto Braun Hall of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. The specific occasion for this critical debate is forms of activism in contemporary art. The symposium with international guests is curated by the political scientist Saba-Nur Cheema and the historian and author Meron Mendel and discusses questions about the responsibility of political art in the current context of the Middle East conflict. In particular, the topics of anti-Semitism, racism, artistic freedom and expressions of solidarity in the art world will be addressed.
Image above: Courtesy of Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Important questions such as ‘Does art have the potential to promote solidarity and peace in the Middle East?’ and ‘How can a constructive debate on artistic freedom be conducted in Germany?’ will be discussed, as well as ‘How can borders and exclusionary practices in art and cultural institutions be avoided?’ The introductory keynote will be held by Hito Steyerl. The international speakers include Candice Breitz, Osama Zatar, Leon Kahane, Ruth Patir, Hasnain Kazim and Mohammed Toukhy.
Cheema and Mendel recently published the highly acclaimed discourse programme ‘Reflexes and Reflections. The 7th of October, the Gaza War and the German Debate’ for the Berliner Festspiele in June 2024. Both have been involved in Jewish-Muslim dialogue for many years, work against anti-Semitism and hostility towards Muslims and are particularly concerned with the effects of the Middle East conflict on coexistence in Germany.
The symposium offers a space for dialogue and controversy. Voices from different perspectives, including Jewish, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and German guests, will be heard.
Photographie, aus der Serie “The Other Side” © Nan Goldin. Courtesy the artist
Programme
10 am
Welcome by Saba-Nur Cheema and Meron Mendel
10.30 am
Keynote: ‘Art, activism and responsibility’
Speaker: Hito Steyerl
Moderation: Saba-Nur Cheema
11.30 am
Panel 1: ‘Israel as a question of attitude. What role does the Middle East conflict play in the art world?’
Panellists: Candice Breitz, Osama Zatar, Hasnain Kazim, Leon Kahane
Moderation: Elke Buhr
2 pm
Short input: ‘The situation of Israeli artists in Berlin’
Speaker: Sharon On
2.10 pm
Panel 2: ‘Sense (and nonsense) of the cultural boycott of Israel’
Panellists: Ruth Patir, Mohammed Toukhy, Remsi Al Khalisi
Moderation: Meron Mendel
5.30 pm
Evening programme (tba)
Tickets
Day ticket symposium: 5 €
A maximum of 2 tickets per person can be purchased via the online shop: www.smb.museum/nng-symposium
There is no box office. Please note that capacity is limited and admission is only possible with a valid ticket.
The symposium will be held bilingually in German and English. Simultaneous translation will be available via headphones.
WHEN?
Event: Sunday, 24 November 2024, 10 am – 7 pm
WHERE?
Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin
Otto-Braun-Saal
Potsdamer Straße 37
10785 Berlin
COSTS?
Day ticket Symposium: 5 €
