We’re inviting Leeds-based artists to respond to Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise.
We’re looking for creatives working in any discipline or format to respond to Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise, a forthcoming photography exhibition by Palestinian photographer and human rights activist Fadi A. Thabet.
Presented by East Street Arts in partnership with Bethlehem Arts Festival, Leeds Palestinian Film Festival and cultural producer Shazia Bibi, this open call invites creatives to create new work inspired by Thabet’s photography or by the themes of resilience, reimagining and hope in times of crisis.
This opportunity will help fundraise for those in need in Gaza. All artwork sales will directly support Fadi A. Thabet and the children he works with. While there may be scope to develop work beyond this brief if time allows, this initiative is primarily an opportunity to use your artistic skills to raise funds. All proceeds from the selected works will go directly to the artist and his community work.
About the exhibition
Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise presents an intimate visual narrative of life, resilience and humanity in Gaza. Through quiet, powerful images, Fadi A. Thabet documents moments of endurance, care and imagination amid conflict.
Born in 1978 in the central Gaza Strip, Thabet is a photographer, human rights activist and art education teacher. Alongside his photographic practice, he works closely with children who have experienced war and displacement, supporting them through art education and creative expression. His work centres the belief that art must serve a purpose — that it can witness, connect and create space for hope.
Find out more about the exhibition
Creative provocations
Artists working in any format and discipline are invited to respond to one or all of the following provocations, in exchange for support and facility access, through single artworks, or by creating multiples like tiles, prints, postcards or badges.
- A Travelling Poster to Visit Palestine
Artworks reflecting on travel culture and movement, speaking to solidarity, belonging and an enduring spirit.
- An Alternative World in Gaza
Artworks imagining a parallel, hopeful world beyond destruction: a Gaza rebuilt through art, play and dreaming.
- Fadi. A Thabet’s image-making
Thabet’s photography captures resilience and quiet hope. This brief invites you to translate endurance, compassion and possibility into your own creative language.
Support and artist experience
Selected artists will receive:
- Access to studio facilities and equipment, like riso printers, laser cutters, 3D printers, kilns, easels, studio space and more at Convention House in Leeds
- Technical support from East Street Arts and partner organisations
- Mentorship and curatorial guidance
In return, artists will create and share a new piece of work responding to Thabet’s photography or the provocations above. Completed works will be exhibited and sold onsite during the exhibition, contributing to the fundraising campaign for Gaza. Works can be single artworks,
Timeline
Ongoing selections will be made from expressions of interest, with initial selections on 20 March.
Expressions of interest submitted after the initial deadline will be reviewed on an ongoing basis for future possible collaborations.
How to apply
Please apply via the Google Form below.
If you have any questions, or if you require an alternative method of application, please email Shazia Bibi at projects@esamail.org.uk.
Lens on Gaza: The Sun and Moon Still Rise is presented in partnership with Fadi A. Thabet, East Street Arts, Bethlehem Cultural Festival, Leeds Palestinian Film Festival and cultural producer Shazia Bibi.
The exhibition is funded by East Street Arts, Bethlehem Cultural Festival, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
