Day 5 #16DaysOfActivism 2023
Join us for #16DaysOfActivism from across the Parallel Lives Network.
I’ll be interviewing network members about their own particular take on activism and what it means to their cause.
The programme runs from Saturday 25th November – International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – through to Human Rights Day on Sunday 10th December.
Wednesday 29th November is Day 5 of the #16DaysOfActivism 2023 programme. It also marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Firstly, I recorded an interview with Dr Paul Reilly discussing the recent Media and Conflict Memory Workshop at University of Glasgow.
Paul is the Researcher in Residence at the Documentary Media Centre – this interview forms part of our ongoing series for the Conflict Memory & Education Project, in line with the United Nations SDG16 Goal – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions for the #16DaysOfActivism 2023 programme.
Click here for his write-up on the Media and Conflict Memory Workshop.
More interviews with Paul are hosted on our Conflict Memory & Education Project website:
www.conflictreportage.wordpress.com
Secondly, I’ve received this information from Amirah Tariq Saeed, a young activist I met earlier in the year at the Documentary Media Centre.
“Art for Palestinian Lives Matter (PLM): A Canvas of Hope – An Art Fundraiser”
Introduction:
In the world of art, where colours blend to create powerful narratives and emotions, there exists a unique ability to transcend boundaries and bring people together. It is this universal language of creativity that served as the inspiration for Art For PLM. Our art fundraiser is aimed at weaving a canvas of hope for the people of Palestine.
The Power of Art in Advocacy:
Art has always been a medium for expression while simultaneously advocating for social change and advocacy, passively. The idea behind our family-driven initiative was to use the power of art to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the Palestinian people and to generate funds for humanitarian aid in the region. The online platform not only provided us with a space to showcase our passions but also allowed art enthusiasts and supporters to engage with the cause. Social media played a crucial role in spreading the word, creating a virtual gallery that transcended borders.
Artwork Themes and Messages:
Our artwork submitted for the fundraiser depicted heartfelt emotions and injustice we felt as onlookers of the colonisation in Gaza. Each artwork carried a unique message; symbolising hope and unity, with canvases delineating the resilience of Palestinian communities. We used different mediums to express our support with paintings, bookmarks and soon-to-be-coming bracelets.
Impact and Funds Allocation:
The response to Art for PLM exceeded our expectations. The online auction generated funds, all of which were channeled towards an organisation, Mountains of Mercy working on the ground to provide essential services, medical aid, and educational support in Palestine.
The success of the event demonstrated the profound impact that art can have in mobilising resources and fostering a sense of global community. It also highlighted the importance of using creative platforms to address pressing social issues and promote positive change.
Please check out their instagram @artforplm and support their next fundraiser, that this time round seems even more important.
Thirdly, I recorded an interview with Prof Richard Hall from De Montfort University and Dr Joel Lazarus from the University of Bath. We discussed our personal consumption of news since October 7th and what channels to use to gain an alternative to the mainstream media narrative.
Some resources are shared below:
Prof Richard Hall – the violence of academic silence:
http://www.richard-hall.org/2023/11/06/on-the-violence-of-academic-silence/
Prof Richard Hall – what might be done in the name of peace:
http://www.richard-hall.org/2023/11/19/what-might-be-done-in-the-name-of-peace/
Fred Moten on Palestine and the Nation-State of Israel:
Podcast – The Fire These Times:
https://thefirethesetimes.com/
Tech won’t save us: The Information War in Gaza: https://www.techwontsave.us/episode/194_the_information_war_in_gaza_w_marwa_fatafta
Speaking out on Gaza / Israel must be allowed: UN experts:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/11/speaking-out-gaza-israel-must-be-allowed-un-experts
Finally, on Friday 10th November, I attended Gateway College here in Leicester to support Denis Kenyon and Robin Jenkins of the At Risk War Memorial Project. They were dedicating a replica of the war memorial to those who died in the Great War, and were pupils at the College, when located on its previous site.
At the reception afterwards, I recorded an interview with the young female student who had led the ceremony. One of the most insightful interviews I’ve ever done with someone who will undoubtedly help to shape a more positive future for us all.
Click here to listen on SoundCloud
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