Easy with the "literally[s]". They're taking over the world. Literally? Nah.

On the other hand, there are those who are enthusiastically trying to wipe Gaza and all things Palestinian off the face of this earth. Literally? Afraid so.

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HOME apologises and says Palestinian event will go ahead after protest by artists

Artists removed their work from the venue last night in protest of the decision to cancel an event scheduled to take place this month

(Image: Amplify Gaza Stories)

A Manchester arts venue has announced that an event showcasing work by Palestinian artists will now go ahead, following protests over its cancellation last week. HOME has apologised for the 'distress' and 'upset' caused by its initial decision to cancel the event.

The U-turn comes after artists removed their work from an exhibition at the city centre venue last night (April 3) in protest of the decision to cancel the Voices of Resilience event. Around 70 pieces of art were removed from the Manchester Open exhibition.

The show which was due to take place on April 22 was billed as an evening of poetry and writing by Palestinians in Manchester and Gaza.
It was cancelled after the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester wrote a letter raising concerns about the event.

In a statement last week, HOME said it is a 'politically neutral space' and that the safety of staff, audiences and artists was 'paramount'. But this afternoon (April 4), the venue announced that the event will be going ahead. In a statement on its website, HOME said: "The initial cancellation of the Voices of Resilience event was a difficult decision for HOME. We recognise how deeply this decision has affected communities and groups across Manchester and beyond, and we apologise for any distress or upset caused.

"We support Palestinian and all community voices, and acknowledge that we can learn from how this was handled. We regret that this has had such wide-reaching impacts.

"Since our initial statement, we have continued to collaborate and consult with stakeholders and the artists involved, and to review and develop plans. We have reached out to partners in the city for assistance and have been able to access additional resources that will support us delivering the event. As a result, we are now in a position to confirm that the Voices of Resilience event will take place at HOME, created and curated by CommaPress.

"HOME has always been a space for all voices, with a commitment to championing equality and diversity at the heart of our work. This commitment has never changed, and we recognise that there is work to be done now, to restore the well-earned confidence that our audiences and artists have always held in HOME. We are committed to continuing these conversations with all affected by recent events.

"We stand with all innocent victims of this conflict, and call for a humanitarian solution. Details of the upcoming Voices of Resilience event will be announced shortly."

Responding to the decision, the organisers said: "Comma Press and the producers behind Voices of Resilience welcome Home’s decision to reinstate the event. This is a potential watershed moment in the campaign against the intimidation that arts venues face for showcasing Palestinian artists and voices.

"We are hugely grateful to have a commitment from HOME for broader dialogues about supporting political work and fostering greater community cohesion and look forward to forging that path. We want to express our solidarity with HOME staff.

"For all of us involved in the showing of this work it has been a distressing time, on top of the news we are seeing from Gaza and the ongoing genocide being committed against Palestinian people. We've been deeply moved and overwhelmed by the solidarity shown to us by the artist community in Manchester, whose actions in protest and support of Voices of Resilience stand as a testament to the strength of our collective voice.

(Image: Amplify Gaza Stories)

"We urge other venues and institutions to take inspiration from what has become a collaborative and active listening process between us and HOME. We hope that other venues and institutions can initiate fresh conversations with artists, speakers, and creators whose work has previously been side-lined or cancelled. We believe this is a critical step towards upholding values of artistic expression and inclusivity.

"We still have faith in Manchester as a radical place."

Manchester council deputy leader Luthfur Rahman said: "As a local authority, we don't get involved in the day to day running of any institution, but I'm pleased to have played a part in supporting HOME come to a decision to reinstate Voices of Resilience. We remain committed to making sure artists express themselves fully and I am personally committed to making sure Palestinian voices are heard."

The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region responded to the announcement by saying: "We have noted with dismay the decision to reinstate the Voices of Resilience event at HOME".

"Despite raising the legitimate concerns of our community around one of the contributors who has made disturbing and inappropriate references to the Holocaust, and has unquestionably engaged in antisemitic hate speech, the JRC have had no contact at any stage with anyone from Home."

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/home-apologises-says-palestinian-event-28938011