During their final showcase on September 28, 2024, artists associated with Eyebeam expressed dissent through a statement addressing issues of repression linked to Palestinian solidarity. Most of the cohort withdrew from the exhibit, citing hostile conditions throughout their fellowship. Their statement, audio-recorded for accessibility, criticized the perceived failures of the Democracy Machine initiative managed by Eyebeam. The artists recounted witnessing suppression, staff terminations, and a lack of support for political expression. This display served as a call to action for institutions to stand in solidarity with marginalized communities, particularly Palestinians.
The statement reflects our experiences in a culture of repression, silencing, and unexplained terminations specifically related to Palestinian solidarity organizing during our fellowship.
We found ourselves at odds with the palace of language constructed to house us, having witnessed the failings of the Democracy's Machine in rising to the call for Palestinian liberation.
Our display was an act of dissent, emphasizing our experiences and the critical need for organizations to support Palestinian solidarity without fear of retribution.
The Democracy Machine initiative, critical for funding contemporary artists, has veered into a realm of silence when it comes to political activism among its cohort.
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