Debaser, a local arts collective, held a panel discussion at Ottawa’s Arts Court on Sept. 28 where artists explored how they can actively support decolonial efforts through their creative practices.
The “Solidarity Through the Arts” panel included local artists and organizers and was moderated by Anna Shah Hoque. The conversation focused on the role of art in supporting Palestinian struggles for justice and self-determination.
One key theme was how artists can use their work to resist oppressive systems.
Philippe Manasseh, a Lebanese queer musician and panelist, explained his artworks as a form of resistance to geopolitical issues. He highlighted that he connects resistance to his art by organizing events such as dance parties to push for the representation of people from South Asia and Northern Africa.
“It’s a great way to push for ideas such as the liberation of Palestine and issues connected to it. The discussion of these issues is not yet normalized in our society and needs more attention,” Manasseh said.
Manasseh also shared his perspective on the work and progress of social justice in Canada. He said that cultural cohabitation in Canada is beneficial for everyone, which he said he believes still has a long way to go.
“Right now, we are not in a good place. We are not in a bad place, but the idea is to keep working on it and calling out what’s going wrong and all the practices,” he said.
He argued that artists have a responsibility to challenge these structures, including divesting from corporations linked to the arms trade. Artists can personally divest by refusing to use materials, supplies or technology made by companies associated with the arms industry.
Elvin, a queer poet and photographer who chose not to give his full name as he desires privacy and fears repercussions, discussed using personal experiences of resistance.
“I try to practice my identity and lived experiences,” he said. “Living in an oppressive space, finding liberation through friendships and creative outlets is at the core of my activism.”
Elvin said that prioritizing close relationships, especially queer friendships, allows him to cultivate strength and resilience within oppressive systems that often seek to suppress marginalized identities.
Palestinian liberation was another central theme of the panel event, with speakers discussing the ongoing cultural and systemic violence Palestinians face. The panelists highlighted that these struggles are not isolated, but part of a larger battle against colonialism and systemic violence.
Zoe, a stage manager and cultural worker who attended the event and chose not to give her full name desiring privacy and fearing professional repercussions, expressed her dedication to Palestinian solidarity through activism, including participating in weekly marches.
She said she found the discussion to be “powerful and informative,” touching on topics of 2SLGBTQ+ pride and Palestine solidarity and emphasizing how the artists on the panel discussed utilizing creative practices to help challenge oppressive systems.
“Everything resonated with me, in particular the conservation around pride. I took part in the Palestine solidarity contingent at the pride march this year and it was really rewarding to be a part of pride that felt more true to the roots of pride as a protest,” Zoe said.
She highlighted that Palestinian solidarity and 2SLGBTQ+ pride are connected because of howPalestinians and 2SLGBTQ+ people have both historically experienced discrimination.
“I think this is a conversation that is ongoing and there is always a lot to say, but I feel a lot of the important groundwork was covered,” Zoe said.
Featured Image by Ming Wu/Pique.
