Palestinian Artists and the Struggle for Freedom of Expression in the West

by Nycole Cunha

Freedom of expression in the West has been a contentious issue, often intersecting with political censorship, discrimination, and restrictions based on geopolitical interests. The ongoing genocide promoted by Israel in Palestine has put the land through dark times, with, it’s consequences have a great impact in the lives of Palestinian artists — specially those who use their voices as a form of resistance, bring awareness and criticizing Israeli actions — they, however, often face restrictions, cancellations, or funding cuts.

It is no surprise to see such repression occurring. Throughout history, authoritarian regimes and states with heavy political agendas have targeted the arts due to their profound influence on society. Art serves as a powerful medium to expose injustices, criticize government actions, and mobilize public opinion. The Palestinian struggle is no exception. The Israeli occupation has not only sought to erase Palestinian presence physically but also to silence its cultural and artistic expression. The intent is clear: to erase a population, one must erase its culture and any trace of its existence. As UNESCO aptly states:

“Culture, being on the front lines of conflicts, is too often a victim of hostilities. The destruction of heritage fuels violence, hatred, and vengeance among people and weakens the very foundations of peace, hindering reconciliation when the dust of war settles.”

In Gaza, the destruction extends beyond homes and residential areas — it also targets cultural institutions, including theaters, libraries, galleries, and museums. It is said that more than 200 cultural institutions and heritage sites in Gaza have been demolished by Israeli bombardment since 7 October 2023. The devastation, however, is not limited to buildings. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, 45 artists, writers, and cultural activists were killed between October 2023 and February 2024. This systematic targeting of cultural figures further exemplifies the deliberate erasure of Palestinian identity and artistic resistance. Some of the artists include: Nesma Abu Shaira, a visual artist; Halima Abdel Karim Al-Kahlot, visual artist; Roshdi Sarraj, a Palestinian journalist and filmmaker; Palestinian photographer Majd Arandas; poet Heba Abu Nada; painter Heba Zagout; Mohammed Sami Qariqa, a painter and teacher; and playwright and actor Inas al-Saqa. All of these artists were killed holding onto the hope of a free Palestine.

The silencing of Palestinian artists is not merely an attack on freedom of expression — it is an extension of the broader oppression faced by the Palestinian people. Just as their land is stolen and their lives are endangered, their cultural heritage is also under attack. This cultural suppression seeks to dehumanize Palestinians, reducing them to nothing. Even outside Palestine, Arab artists or even just allies are placed under scrutiny, accused of “inciting violence” or supporting “terrorism” for simply advocating Palestinian rights. In Brazil, for example, artists painting a mural in a building in support of Palestine were violently attacked. One man kicked over paint cans and attempted to pull down the harness suspending visual artist Kleber Pagu — an act that could have killed him.

Palestinian and other Arab artists, critical of Israeli actions often find their work censored, events canceled, or funding withdrawn. Examples include venues withdrawing support for artists who express solidarity with Palestine or critique Western involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. In Germany, for instance, numerous cultural events were canceled, according to The Markaz Review, one of them was the Frankfurt International Book Fair where Palestinian author Adania Shibli was to be awarded, but received an email regarding the cancellation of her event. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen had his scheduled reading canceled at the 92nd Street Y (in New York) after signing an open letter condemning Israel’s action in Gaza, according to Reuters. Freemuse reports that in Bristol, the Arnolfini Gallery canceled two events linked to the Palestinian Film Festival, concerned over hosting events that might be seen as “political activity”—an implication that they feared losing government funding if they proceeded. 

Freemuse’s 2024 report highlights a crescent global surge in censorship and targeting of artists and creative professionals, since the events of October 7. Many artists have been pressured to change their themes, labeled as problematic, censored for calling for peace, dismissed from their jobs, or silenced by the very institutions that once supported them. Artists who speak out risk losing platforms and opportunities to sustain their livelihoods. Art has always been a powerful tool for denouncing injustice, creating spaces for dialogue, driving protest, challenging societal structures, and pushing society toward transformation. But in a sector already marked by financial insecurity, the threat of losing support simply for expressing an opinion also threatens artistic freedom. 

Yet, despite these relentless challenges, Palestinian artists continue to resist through their work. Digital platforms, independent exhibitions, and grassroots movements have become alternative spaces where Palestinian voices can thrive. Art remains a crucial instrument of resistance, ensuring that Palestinian stories are told, preserved, and amplified in the face of suppression. The struggle for artistic freedom is thus deeply intertwined with the broader fight for justice, dignity, and liberation. But the question remains: How much longer will the world tolerate the silencing of Palestinian artists?