culture

Faisal Saleh stands beside the exhibition he co-curated at the 61st Venice Biennale, titled “ _____________” * * Gaza - No Words - See the Exhibit.” (Oren Ziv)

‘How do you curate a genocide?’

Marred by protests over Israel’s inclusion, the Venice Biennale is hosting an exhibit with 100 works of Palestinian embroidery based on harrowing images from Gaza. Curator Faisal Saleh discusses how it came to life.

By Oren Ziv May 21, 2026

A promotional poster for Nidal Baderneh's show "Iron Kibbeh."

A Palestinian comedian walks into an Israeli interrogation room

Nidal Badarneh was arrested for joking about Israeli hostages. Yet when Israeli comedians joke about the war, or even killing Palestinians, no one bats an eye.

By Noam Shuster-Eliassi March 12, 2025

A still from the short film 'Sorry Cinema' by Ahmed Hassouna, part of a film project produced by Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi. (Courtesy of Rashid Masharawi)

‘Film was the best way to convey our art amid the suffering in Gaza’

Shunned by the Cannes Festival, Palestinian director Rashid Masharawi organized a protest screening of short films made by Gazans during the war.

By Ruwaida Amer July 2, 2024

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The Palestinian town of Beit Jala burns after being shot at by Israeli army during the Second Intifada, February 28, 2002. (Nati Shohat/Flash90)

A homecoming under siege

In an excerpt from her new book, "A Stranger in My Own Land," Palestinian author Fida Jiryis describes returning to a new reality in Palestine as the Second Intifada rages outside.

By Fida Jiryis December 8, 2022

Haya Zaatry. (Maria Zreik)

‘Borders don’t make sense’: A musician’s tribute to a Levantine memory

Haya Zaatry speaks with +972 about how her great-grandmother inspired her new album, the challenges of promoting diversity in an oppressed society, and the importance of Palestinian women creating their own art.

By Vera Sajrawi November 24, 2022

The Sydney Opera House, May 25, 2014. (Jason Tong/CC BY 2.0)

A letter to the Sydney Festival about Palestine solidarity

When the Festival Board dismissed our objections to Israeli embassy funding, it had no idea of the massive support that artists would show for our cause.

By Sara Saleh January 17, 2022

Palestinians watch a film screened on the Israeli Separation Wall as part of a festival, Aida refugee camp, Aug. 29, 2008. (Anne Paq/Activestills)

‘Palestinian art is a remarkable victory against those trying to erase us’

Hollywood director Hany Abu-Assad shares his thoughts on the difficulties of making Palestinian films, who gets to tell stories about the occupation, and why it is a 'miracle' that Palestinian art is thriving.

By Rami Younis August 16, 2021

Supermodel Bella Hadid, December 15, 2015. (Doug Inglish/CC BY 3.0)

‘Are we not allowed to be Palestinian on Instagram?’

Seeing Bella Hadid be vocal about Palestine is a delight rooted in a history of erasure and denial.

By Karim Kattan July 16, 2020

From left, Sana Jammelieh, Shaden Kanboura and Mouna Hawa, in the film “In Between” by director Maysaloun Hamoud. (Film Movement)

Quarantine culture picks from Israel-Palestine and the Middle East

Our top recommendations for classics and little-known gems from the region to keep you entertained in a time of social distancing.

By Natasha Soffer-Roth April 24, 2020

Screenshot from Childish Gambino's music video for 'This is America.'

How Childish Gambino explains the problem with Israel’s Eurovision win

Gambino’s new music video illustrates why audiences should focus on the injustices unfolding in the background of artistic performances – especially those representing the state. In the music video for his new single “This is America,” the singer and rapper Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) dances in a warehouse while scenes of violence and chaos unfold…

By Amjad Iraqi May 18, 2018

Member of a dance group of Sudanese refugees from the Darfur region dressed with traditional costumes dance on stage as part of a cultural festival of the Sudanese community at a cultural centre in south Tel Aviv on February 15, 2013. (Shiraz Grinbaum/Activestills.org)

Photos: Sudanese refugees in Israel celebrate their culture with dance and music

The Sudanese refugee community gathers in south Tel Aviv to remember their homeland, celebrate their culture, music and dances and share them local Israelis. Text by: Adam Bashar Photos by: Activestills.org The idea behind The Cultural Day of the Sudanese refugees community, held at the Goren Goldstein Country Club in south Tel Aviv, was to expose…

By Activestills February 17, 2013

Carrying giant puppets, residents of Al-Walaja, together with Palestinian, international, and Israeli supporters, march through the West Bank village of Al-Walaja to protest the Israeli separation wall, September 28, 2012. If completed as planned, the wall will surround Al-Walaja and cut off its access to surrounding Palestinian communities. (photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org)

A week in photos: September 27-October 3

Protest theater, media strikes, Palestinian demonstrations, and more: Activestills images tell the stories of the week.

By Activestills October 4, 2012

Carrying giant puppets, Palestinians of Al-Walaja, together with Palestinian, international, and Israeli supporters organized by the Freedom Bus campaign march through the West Bank village of Al-Walaja to protest the Israeli separation wall, September 28, 2012. (photo: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org)

Photo essay: Freedom Bus tour teaches cultural forms of resistance

Text by Decca Muldowney The Freedom Bus, an initiative of Jenin’s Freedom Theatre, uses interactive theatre and cultural activism to bear witness, raise awareness and build alliances throughout occupied Palestine and beyond. From September 23-October 1 2012, Palestinians and allies from around the world took part in a 9-day solidarity ride through 11 communities in the West…

By Activestills October 2, 2012