When the Civic Theatre in Barnsley announced an upcoming exhibition by Israeli shoe designer Kobi Levi, Unite Community member Brian Clarke dug deeper and discovered that the exhibition was backed by the Israeli Government. A letter to his local council resulted in the cancellation of the exhibition.
“I was looking through the Civic events calendar and noticed this exhibition,” said Brian. “I immediately sent an email to Birdwell Councillor Jim Andrews, that I found it very disturbing particularly as it is to be sponsored by the Israeli government.
“I registered my objection taking into account what was happening in Gaza and how the Israelis are treating Palestinians making the point that if it went ahead there would bound to be demonstrations opposing it, causing embarrassment to the Council. I asked Jim if there was anything he could do to stop the exhibition?”
Councillor Andrews responded saying he also was concerned and would look into the matter. Following a telephone conversation with Civic Chief Executive Helen Ball and enquiries to Northampton Gallery, who were loaning the exhibition, the decision was taken not to go ahead.
Helen Ball explains, “having considered all the information provided I feel that given the level to which the conflict in Gaza has escalated in recent months and the level of upset and distress this has caused together with us being an organisation that receives public funding to provide arts and cultural experiences for local people who clearly may be concerned that we appear to be aligning ourselves with one side of that conflict, the best decision is for us not to go ahead with the exhibition.”
Instead the Civic will now present an exhibition from the Royal Photographic Society, International Images for Science 2013.
This is a great example of how action by a single person can make a difference, if only in a small way and help to raise awareness of injustices suffered by those in far away lands.