A call has been made for a cultural boycot of Israeli art institutions and artists who do not voice their opposition to the genocidal violence in Gaza and the violation of humanitarian law. The call has sparked widespread debate within the Dutch cultural field. It has led us at Conny Janssen Danst to first enter into a dialogue with all who work here, in full recognition of the variety of perspectives that exists. These talks have resulted in the statement below.
The world is on fire. With major conflicts, human rights violations and genocidal violence rooted in historical contexts. They seem unsolvable and worry us on a daily basis. The genocide in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of victims and destroyed the region’s entire infrastructure, is a source of great concern to us. The immensity of the suffering is beyond comprehension. The fight between the Israeli government and Hamas is taking its toll on both sides. Now, a peace agreement has been negotiated. But it is an extremely fragile beginning.
All of this has also affected the workers in our company. There is great fear, concern, anger and sadness about the unimaginable injustice. Many voices and emotions coexist.
This is why we have opened a conversation among ourselves. To share our perspectives and explore our vulnerabilities and fears. Because they are real and we want to acknowledge them. These talks are intense, difficult, beautiful and emotional, and we are fully aware we cannot truly comprehend the impact of this immense conflict and the inhumane suffering it causes.
We are trying to find what unites us, based on shared values.
We urgently call upon the Dutch government and the international community to do everything in their power to stop the genocidal violence and strive for lasting peace in Palestine and Israel. We ask government leaders to be alert and to take action. To ensure that the fragile peace agreement is honoured. To actively support reconstruction in Gaza, based on humanitarian law as a guiding principle.
At Conny Janssen Danst, we will continue to work on connection. Both by continuing the dialogue within the company and by reaching out to the world with the pieces we create and share with our audience. Works that focus on solidarity, vulnerability and individual strength. We tell human stories that move us internally and that seek dialogue.
We want to make it clear that we distance ourselves from artists and art institutions that are involved, directly or indirectly, in violence against humanity. We stand with artists who stand up for human rights and strive for connection. Their voices should be heard loud and clear, also from and within regions where human rights are being brutally violated.
The arts cannot solve everything. But they can help us approach our surroundings with more empathy, encourage us to try and embrace other people and our differences.
After all, we are who we are with and through other people, in spite of and thanks to our differences.
With love,
Conny Janssen Danst