Culture = Life through our expression of our values, beliefs, languages, knowledges, the arts, traditions and ways of life. Cultural heritage is central to a person’s sense of identity, connection to place and a community, so the unhindered destruction we see in Gaza has far reaching implications for us all.
The right to a cultural life, as expressed through Art27’s Palestinian Artists Programme, is powerfully embodied by artists who continue to create under siege. Through storytelling, performance, music, archiving, film, and provocation, they resist the erasure of memory and affirm presence in the face of exile, censorship, and occupation. These artists are not only preserving heritage—they are demanding justice, reclaiming space, and asserting culture as a fundamental right. We honour their creative defiance and thank them for sharing their talent, courage, and unwavering commitment to life.
The Horse of Jenin by Alaa Shehada, Troupe Courage, Palestine Comedy Club
Fri June 20th
7:30pm – 8:45pm
The Studio, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
What happens when a symbol of hope is destroyed — and someone dares to respond with humour?
In this moving and funny one-man show, Palestinian comedian and actor Alaa Shehada brings to life the story of the Horse of Jenin — a sculpture made from the wreckage of war that stood for two decades in the heart of a refugee camp, before being destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer in October 2023.
The performance is a powerful reminder of the ongoing destruction of cultural heritage and the growing threats to artistic freedom in Palestine. With warmth and wit, Shehada draws from his own memories of growing up in Occupied Palestine to explore how art, laughter, and storytelling help people survive.
The Horse of Jenin is a celebration of creativity, identity, and the unbreakable spirit of a people who continue to dream, even in the darkest times.
Join us for this unforgettable performance, part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme.
In this moving and funny one-man show, Palestinian comedian and actor Alaa Shehada brings to life the story of the Horse of Jenin — a sculpture made from the wreckage of war that stood for two decades in the heart of a refugee camp, before being destroyed by an Israeli bulldozer in October 2023.
The performance is a powerful reminder of the ongoing destruction of cultural heritage and the growing threats to artistic freedom in Palestine. With warmth and wit, Shehada draws from his own memories of growing up in Occupied Palestine to explore how art, laughter, and storytelling help people survive.
The Horse of Jenin is a celebration of creativity, identity, and the unbreakable spirit of a people who continue to dream, even in the darkest times.
Join us for this unforgettable performance, part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme.
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Balfour Reparations 2025-2045 by Farah Saleh
Sat June 21st
4pm – 5:30pm
The Studio, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh
What if the UK finally apologised for the Balfour Declaration?
Inspired by archival materials, Farah Saleh’s unique and powerful performance lecture investigates ways of confronting the United Kingdom’s colonial legacy in Palestine.
The role of Arthur James Balfour, the country’s Prime Minister (1902- 1905), Foreign Secretary (1916-1919), Chancellor and Rector of many UK prominent universities (1886-1930), is examined in the denial of Palestinian political rights in their homeland.
Saleh takes us this through history, fiction and fantasy, situated in the future, in 2045.
The audience interact as members of the reparations’ evaluation committee reflecting on the imagined apology letter that the United Kingdom will have issued in 2025 to the Palestinian people.
Inspired by archival materials, Farah Saleh’s unique and powerful performance lecture investigates ways of confronting the United Kingdom’s colonial legacy in Palestine.
The role of Arthur James Balfour, the country’s Prime Minister (1902- 1905), Foreign Secretary (1916-1919), Chancellor and Rector of many UK prominent universities (1886-1930), is examined in the denial of Palestinian political rights in their homeland.
Saleh takes us this through history, fiction and fantasy, situated in the future, in 2045.
The audience interact as members of the reparations’ evaluation committee reflecting on the imagined apology letter that the United Kingdom will have issued in 2025 to the Palestinian people.
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Tatreez Exhibition by local Palestinian Women
Sat June 21st
6pm-7pm
The Queens Hall foyer
Tatreez, the traditional art of Palestinian embroidery, is more than just a craft—it is a powerful act of cultural preservation and resistance. Each stitch holds memory, identity, and belonging, carrying the stories of generations of Palestinian women.
Led by Riwaa Joma, this exhibition is part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme and showcases the work of Palestinian women and girls living in Scotland. For over three years, Riwaa has nurtured a vibrant community through Tatreez, offering a space for connection, solidarity, and creative expression. Through this practice, women strengthen their cultural roots while passing their knowledge and stories to younger generations.
In the face of forced displacement and cultural erasure, Tatreez asserts the internationally recognised right of a people to maintain and develop their cultural identity. From motifs of olive branches and cypress trees to maps of Palestine, each embroidered piece is both personal and political—a testament to resilience, beauty, and pride.
Come experience how Tatreez weaves together history, resistance, and the enduring spirit of Palestinian women in the diaspora.
Led by Riwaa Joma, this exhibition is part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme and showcases the work of Palestinian women and girls living in Scotland. For over three years, Riwaa has nurtured a vibrant community through Tatreez, offering a space for connection, solidarity, and creative expression. Through this practice, women strengthen their cultural roots while passing their knowledge and stories to younger generations.
In the face of forced displacement and cultural erasure, Tatreez asserts the internationally recognised right of a people to maintain and develop their cultural identity. From motifs of olive branches and cypress trees to maps of Palestine, each embroidered piece is both personal and political—a testament to resilience, beauty, and pride.
Come experience how Tatreez weaves together history, resistance, and the enduring spirit of Palestinian women in the diaspora.
Read More ..
Reem Kelani and Trio
Sat June 21st
7:30pm- 9:45pm
The Queens Hall, Edinburgh
Experience the soul-stirring music of Reem Kelani and her trio in a night that celebrates Palestinian resilience and cultural survival!
On Saturday, 21st June, join Reem Kelani, one of Palestine’s most renowned musicians, as she brings the heart of Palestinian folk music to The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. With her trio, Reem will take you on an emotional journey through history, culture, and identity, blending personal stories, political themes, and unforgettable melodies.
Hailing from Ya’bad and Nazareth, Reem is committed to preserving the rich musical traditions of Palestine, ensuring that the songs and stories of her people are never forgotten. Her powerful repertoire includes poignant songs inspired by Palestinian women across the world, reminding us that music is not just art—it’s a declaration of presence and resistance.
Don’t miss this incredible performance, part of Art27 Scotland’s CULTURE = LIFE programme for Refugee Week 2025. Witness the enduring spirit of Palestinian culture through the voice of one of its most influential guardians.
Book your tickets now for a night of unforgettable music!
On Saturday, 21st June, join Reem Kelani, one of Palestine’s most renowned musicians, as she brings the heart of Palestinian folk music to The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. With her trio, Reem will take you on an emotional journey through history, culture, and identity, blending personal stories, political themes, and unforgettable melodies.
Hailing from Ya’bad and Nazareth, Reem is committed to preserving the rich musical traditions of Palestine, ensuring that the songs and stories of her people are never forgotten. Her powerful repertoire includes poignant songs inspired by Palestinian women across the world, reminding us that music is not just art—it’s a declaration of presence and resistance.
Don’t miss this incredible performance, part of Art27 Scotland’s CULTURE = LIFE programme for Refugee Week 2025. Witness the enduring spirit of Palestinian culture through the voice of one of its most influential guardians.
Book your tickets now for a night of unforgettable music!
Read More ..
A Gaza Short Film Series and Q&A with Moayed Abu Ammouna
Sun June 22nd
6pm – 7pm
Edinburgh University
Join us for a powerful film screening and Q&A with Moayed Abu Ammouna, a Palestinian filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist from Gaza City. Specialising in short films, Abu Ammouna weaves his lived experience of Gaza into striking works that combine film, photography, and experimental visual storytelling. His art explores themes of land, identity, and the enduring trauma of colonialism.
Abu Ammouna’s work reflects on displacement and collective memory, especially within post-Nakba generations. Through evocative imagery and intimate narratives, his films act as a form of cultural resistance—amplifying Palestinian voices and preserving stories often silenced.
This screening offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of one of Palestine’s most compelling contemporary artists. Following the screening, Abu Ammouna will join us live for a Q&A to discuss his creative process, the themes he explores, and the role of art as a means of survival and truth-telling.
Presented in association with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme for Refugee Week 2025.
All are welcome.
Abu Ammouna’s work reflects on displacement and collective memory, especially within post-Nakba generations. Through evocative imagery and intimate narratives, his films act as a form of cultural resistance—amplifying Palestinian voices and preserving stories often silenced.
This screening offers a rare opportunity to experience the work of one of Palestine’s most compelling contemporary artists. Following the screening, Abu Ammouna will join us live for a Q&A to discuss his creative process, the themes he explores, and the role of art as a means of survival and truth-telling.
Presented in association with the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) at the University of Edinburgh. Part of CULTURE = LIFE: A Palestinian Artist Programme for Refugee Week 2025.
All are welcome.
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Karamah
Sun June 22nd
2pm-4pm
The Palestine Museum, Dundas St
“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” (Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
Karamah, meaning “dignity” in Arabic, is a creative project that documents and shares the experiences of Palestinians under occupation and in exile, with a focus on Gazans living in Scotland.
This launch event, hosted by The Palestine Museum, introduces the Karamah project and opens a space for discussion through conversation, poetry, and film. Join the project team—Deline, Ghazi, and Robert—as they explore the ideas behind Karamah, from the role of the artist to the meaning of dignity, the safeguarding of participants, and the ways in which the project challenges cultural erasure and displacement. This event also offers a particular invitation to Gazans who are interested in contributing to the project.
Karamah affirms the right to self-expression and memory in the face of displacement, offering a platform to preserve and amplify voices.
Join us as we embark on this collective journey, part of Culture = Life: A Palestinian Artist Programme for Refugee Week 2025.
Karamah, meaning “dignity” in Arabic, is a creative project that documents and shares the experiences of Palestinians under occupation and in exile, with a focus on Gazans living in Scotland.
This launch event, hosted by The Palestine Museum, introduces the Karamah project and opens a space for discussion through conversation, poetry, and film. Join the project team—Deline, Ghazi, and Robert—as they explore the ideas behind Karamah, from the role of the artist to the meaning of dignity, the safeguarding of participants, and the ways in which the project challenges cultural erasure and displacement. This event also offers a particular invitation to Gazans who are interested in contributing to the project.
Karamah affirms the right to self-expression and memory in the face of displacement, offering a platform to preserve and amplify voices.
Join us as we embark on this collective journey, part of Culture = Life: A Palestinian Artist Programme for Refugee Week 2025.
Read More ..
Displaced Arts: Creative Practice and Geographies of Asylum
Tue June 24th
IASH, Edinburgh University
Join us for an exciting and thought-provoking one-day symposium on June 24th at IASH, University of Edinburgh.
Displaced Arts brings together scholars, artists, and activists to explore the transformative power of creative practices in understanding and confronting the global realities of displacement. Featuring keynote speakers Professor Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh (UCL) and Dr. Esa Aldegheri (University of Glasgow), this event will examine how art—through literature, theatre, photography, and more—illuminates the hidden infrastructures of exile, from camps to remote resettlement sites. Explore how creative practices can challenge borders, cultivate belonging, and spark new solidarities.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue, creative exchange, and critical reflection on the intersection of art, migration, and resistance.
Displaced Arts brings together scholars, artists, and activists to explore the transformative power of creative practices in understanding and confronting the global realities of displacement. Featuring keynote speakers Professor Elena Fiddian-Qasmiyeh (UCL) and Dr. Esa Aldegheri (University of Glasgow), this event will examine how art—through literature, theatre, photography, and more—illuminates the hidden infrastructures of exile, from camps to remote resettlement sites. Explore how creative practices can challenge borders, cultivate belonging, and spark new solidarities.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity for interdisciplinary dialogue, creative exchange, and critical reflection on the intersection of art, migration, and resistance.
Read More ..
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