This initiative, bringing together Portuguese and Palestinian artists around culture as a form of resistance and mobilization for Palestine, will take place on October 9, 10, and 11 at Casa do Comum. It is held in partnership with institutions and collectives such as Estrela da Bica, Outra Cena, and Teatro do Bairro, with activities being free to the public, though donations are encouraged.
The organization highlighted, “this year’s edition happens at a particularly symbolic moment: October marks two years since the most recent invasion of the Gaza Strip, which tragically impacted the lives of millions of Palestinians,” reinforcing the mission to bring visibility to the Palestinian cause.
Furthermore, it takes place just days after Portugal officially recognized the State of Palestine on September 21, International Day of Peace — a historical decision that highlights the urgency and relevance of this artistic and political gesture, the organizers noted in a statement.
The main focus of the event is a three-day exhibition showcasing artworks by both Portuguese and international artists, available for online auction. The funds raised will be entirely donated to humanitarian organizations directly supporting the Palestinian population, especially in the Gaza Strip.
Confirmations for art contributions have been received from artists and figures such as Akacorleone, Fernanda Fragateiro, Gabriela Albergaria, Cristina Branco, Isabel Abreu, André Letria, Wasted Rita, Cristina Sampaio, Rita Red Shoes, Luca Argel, Luísa Sobral, Mantraste, Scuru Fitchadu, Catarina Sobral, Cara de Espelho, Sanja Vrzic & Diogo Pereira, among others.
The exhibitions will be hosted across Casa do Comum, Museu da Preguiça, and adjacent corridors.
The event commences earlier with a “Soft Opening” on October 8 at the Camões Auditorium and Casa do Comum, featuring the first screening in Portugal of “All That’s Left of You” by Palestinian filmmaker Cherien Dabis, based in the United States.
This national premiere is a prominent highlight of contemporary Palestinian cinema. The film will also be shown the following day.
Regarding cinema, there are two scheduled sessions of Palestinian short films: one in collaboration with Levante Cineclube, dedicated to films by women, and another in partnership with the DIY Museum x Bay2Gaza’s Solidarity Cinema #1, including notable works like “Mnemosyne.”
The Camões Auditorium will host the contemporary dance performance “Love in Times of Apartheid,” by Palestinian choreographer and dancer Sharaf DarZaid, accompanied by live music by Maen El Ghoul. This 35-minute solo is followed by a conversation with the artist regarding the emotional and political challenges of living under occupation.
The music section highlights mini-concerts by Benjamim, Carlos Bica & Gonçalo Neto, Orca, and Tiago Gomes & Flak. These are complemented by DJ sets from Jorge Caiado b2b Bernardo Vaz, Luís Varatojo, Mãe Dela, Selecta Alice, and Violet b2b Wugori, spread across various venues.
The program also includes performances by Handala Dabke, Joana Craveiro, and Leonor Keil.
Theatre presents the staged reading of “The Gaza Monologues” from the Palestinian Ashtar Theatre collective. The reading features Rafael Balão and an ensemble cast including Cláudia Semedo, Filipe Vargas, Flávia Gusmão, Teresa Sobral, Tânia Alves, Cleo Diara, Jorge Corrula, Marina Albuquerque, Ana Palma, Jéssica Athayde, Margarida Bento, Cláudio Castro, Laura Longobardo, Mariana do Ó, Joaquim de Almeida, and Raquel Tillo.
Additionally, the event will showcase traditional Palestinian gastronomy, with cooks from the Levant presenting iconic recipes.
A cooking workshop led by Manar Aali is planned, sharing Palestinian culinary knowledge and flavors.
Other creative workshops include zine-making with Alexandre Esgaio, embroidery with Ana Carmela, ceramics with Clara Rego, and illustration with Catarina Sobral.
Throughout the days, there will also be discussions and debates with academics, artists, collectives, and activists to reflect on Palestine through contemporary art, politics, and culture.
The topics to be discussed include cultural boycott, independent publishing, and interventionist art.
Arte Pela Palestina is supported by various collectives and associations advocating for justice and peace for the Palestinian people, conducted with collaboration from the Coletivo Pela Libertação da Palestina, Jews for Peace and Justice, MPPM (Movement for the Rights of the Palestinian People and for Peace in the Middle East), Parents For Peace, and PUSP (Unitary Platform for Solidarity with Palestine).
