My name is Jasmine Hawamdeh and I’m a Palestinian-American artist. As an artist, my job is to tell the stories behind he statistics, humanize and amplify voices, and provide a new narrative rooted in compassion and love.
In recent times, Palestinian and Arab artists, along with their allies, have faced a distressing wave of attacks, both online and offline. These assaults not only undermine the artistic freedom that should be intrinsic to our sector but also threaten the very core of artistic authenticity.
Artists in our community have fallen victim to doxing and many have lost opportunities that were once abundant. This has left our artists facing an uphill battle to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
However, instead of succumbing to fear or intimidation, they continue to create and express themselves with unwavering determination. It is a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and borders.
Since 2021, I have worked closely with many artists to curate a list of cultural spaces that have shown solidarity and documented their stances in support of Palestinian and Arab artists.
By supporting these artists and the spaces that champion their work, we can send a powerful message that art is a universal language that transcends politics, religion, and borders. The art we, as Arab and Palestinian artists create serves as protection against erasure.
As a civil rights organization, ADC stands at the forefront of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, embracing a commitment that extends beyond the traditional realms of social justice. Which includes defending the realm of artistic integrity as a vital component of individual expression.
If you are an artist or cultural worker passionate about advancing civil rights and would like to contribute to our mission, connect with me at jasmine@adc.org.
Together, we can create a world where art is celebrated, cherished, and protected.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Hawamdeh