Mural Statement in Response to Police Violence in Olympia

“Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.”

– Paulo Freire

 The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project aims to make visible the connections between the struggle for self-determination in Palestine, and the struggle for self-determination in our communities. The recent shooting of Bryson and Andre Chaplin lay bare the role of the Olympia Police Department as an institution with the power to use excessive and lethal force against Black lives. Further, the previous experiences of Officer Ryan Donald as an Army police officer and as a U.S. Border Patrol agent on the U.S./Mexican border ask us to consider the institutionalized connections among U.S. imperialism, Israeli/U.S. settler-colonialism and increased militarism in our streets. We are forced to recognize the military industrial complex works to train and supply global warfare, which is a war abroad and at home.

Policing practices are founded in blocking the self-determination of communities of color and maintaining the structures of white supremacy and a violent occupation as the status quo. The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project is committed to supporting and creating space for the ongoing process of movement building within our community to actively confront racism and hold institutions that serve white supremacy accountable. There is a clear need for community oversight of these institutions and more diligent police accountability.

As solidarity with Palestine demands recognition that Palestinian lives matter, the Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project is determined to recognize that Black Lives Matter here in Olympia, and everywhere.

 

Spring Arts Walk 2015: Social Justice Bloc Party     

In April, the Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project held a two-day Social Justice Bloc Party, as part of the city wide Arts Walk events in collaboration with the Rachel Corrie Foundation. Our work strengthened relationships with local participating mural organizations, engaged participatory art making, brought new people to the mural and showcased a thematic visual art show focused on the impacts of war and resistance to an increasingly militarized world. The Bloc Party featured visual art from the latest Just Seeds Artist Cooperative/Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) portfolio, the Assembly of Revolutionary Artists of Oaxaca and Malachi Muncy’s Peace Paper Project, where he makes paper from old military uniforms. Click here for video. There  were performances by the Old Growth Poetry Collective, Lennée Reid, Artesian Rumble Arkestra, Citizen’s Band, a participatory Theatre of the Oppressed performance, an acrobatic performance, an open mic and papermaking demonstrations led by an artist and member of IVAW. Hear mural project co-organizer Josh Elliot share some mural history in this video from Arts Walk.

Many participating mural organizations tabled including: The Rachel Corrie Foundation, Working Washington, POWER, Coffee Strong, Stonewall Youth, the Black Student Union, Center for Community Based Learning & Action, Works in Progress, and Students for Justice in Palestine. This provided opportunities for cross-movement collaborations towards collective liberation. For more images click here.

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Off the Wall Spring Season A Huge Success

The Oakland Palestine Solidarity held two dynamic events and exhibits through our Off the Wall  series. In partnership with AROC and NorCal Friends of Sabeel we celebrated struggle at Revolution is Love on Valentine’s day. We heard the powerful voices of Young Gifted & Black, Adhamh Roland, Chris Kazaleh, and Lubna Morrar. This celebration of resistance also included dancing at the mural with Al-Juthoor Dabke Dance Troupe, Abrazo Queer Tango and DJ Rumorosa. Click here to see photos.

Commemorating Palestinian Prisoner Day, Revisions: Black and Brown Resisting State Violence debuted during April’s First Friday. It featured the social movement work from over a dozen local organizations as well as photographs from Gazan artists. AROC, Eastside Arts Alliance, Critical Resistance and Art Forces came together to end this exhibition with a standing room only round table discussion. This collaboration highlighted connections among community struggles and cultures of resistance that challenge state violence, policing and prisons. Click here to see photos.

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Blog-Lebanon, Burj Shamali Memorial Project to Bombing Victims 1982

Community Paint InPosted by Fred Alvarado

Abu Fadi jokes around as we shuffle through the passage ways and streets of the camp. We move from one space to another. We eat with families and chat with youth.  Abu Fadi understands English. He listens and responds patiently as we ask questions. He is one of the elders at the Bourj El Shamali camp, responsible for organizing this community mural project at the Al Hooleh, (Memorial site). Abu Fadi and his wife, Um Fadi, had 12 children. In June of 1982 a phosphorus bomb detonated in a kindergarden, killing 96 children. Six of their children where born after the horrific events that took place at the camp. Their other 5 children were incinerated by a combination of chemical weapons in the Zionist siege of the camp. During the attack most men where killed or incarcerated, leaving the women to fend for their families. We are painting a mural  commemorating the space, highlighting the resilience and strength of this community.

We have been painting with the community of Bourj El Shamali. A mix of feelings and thinking occur while smelling the cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes coming from children on swooped up motor scooters. The painting is going slow but steady. Folks seems to like the painting so far even though it is missing key visual elements to the Palestine camp narrative. Intrigued by the color and difference in style, community members ask questions.

I hear folks joking but can’t understand the punch lines.

The reality of being half way around the world painting in a memorial site, is all at once surreal and grounding. I don’t know if to laugh or cry.

The site, the actual sight of the massacre, a grave yard in the middle of a camp is filled with survivors, witnesses, and newer generations. Memories of unthinkable actions that remain on replay as anniversaries pass. Abu Fadi and his family lives here. Although the surroundings are part of his everyday, I wonder when and how did he get past this horrendous event? He lost 5 children at this site. He takes care of this site, nurturing and building it. There is a monument created in remembrance to the children and other civilian martyrs. Preschool aged children. Little pip squeaks like the ones who talk to me as I paint the front facade of the building. While this camp is one of the poorest in Lebanon, it is clean with a homey feel, filled with happiness and wonder. The children go to school and eat popsicles. They are interested in the foreigners and visitors. They are welcoming. Along with the children, there are also groups of youth. ‘At risk’ one might say, at risk of drugs, teenage pregnancy, wars…Reminiscent of the students I have work with in the S.F. Bay Area. I connect through example, I see how Abu Faddi treats them. Respecting their space.  I work hard and ask for help. Lots of helping hands in this crowded camp. Families treating us to coffee, teas, breads, and smiles.

Lebanon

We’re headed to Lebanon to paint at Bourj el-Shamali Refugee Camp just outside of Tyre. We will paint community murals to  commemorate a 1982 massacre that is largely unknown.

Thank you to all of those who donated to our Indiegogo Campaign to support Maia Mural Brigade Phase 2 #Water4Gaza
http://igg.me/at/maiamurals/x/3621994

  • James Pultz
  • Tami & Tony Ferro
  • teve Brown
  • Judith Lamson
  • Elaina Gustat
  • arlene Tobias
  • Jane Norling
  • Kristia Castrillo
  • Annie Kuhn
  • David Hacker
  • Cat Dodson
  • Amenda Walton
  • Mike Tyau
  • Nancy Hernandez
  • Dream Hampton
  • Fatema Panju
  • Kestrel Feiner-Homer
  • Alli Starr
  • Sadeep Rai
  • Cathy Shields
  • Mary Graver
  • Meghan McAuliffe
  • Rob Zeer
  • Fiona Glas

JOIN #WATER4GAZA CAMPAIGN

imageA CALL TO ART/ACTION:
JOIN #WATER4GAZA CAMPAIGN & GLOBAL MOVEMENT FOR CLEAN WATER

Become a Water Warrior! Be a part of an International Multi Media Art/Activism Project in Gaza City! We need to raise $600 a day until August 14th to meet our goals for materials and media production!

Donate at: http://igg.me/at/maiamurals Help spread the word to your networks:  See sample tweets below.

The Water Warriors, who join us for the campaign, will get a water drop dedicated to them in the #Water4Gaza mural painting in Palestine. Lots of information will be forthcoming about concrete actions you can take to  leave your mark and participate in this growing movement.

MAIA Mural Brigade 2- Project Description

Imagine there is no water for up to 14 hours, or more, every day. Imagine that the water you do have is polluted.  And then imagine that if you dig a well on your own property you risk being jailed or worse for not having the correct permit. This is what is happening in Palestine where the Israeli Occupation systematically denies Palestinians adequate quality and quantities of water, often diverting it for the use of Israelis. Environmental inequities exist all over the world, including here in the USA. This is why we invite you to join the  #Water4Gaza campaign and participate in a global movement for environmental justice!

This month, we invite all people who are united in Palestinian solidarity and the universal right to clean water to bring attention to  #Water4Gaza through supporting the MAIA Mural Brigade, an art and activism campaign.

US based Break the Silence Media & Art is organizing the second MAIA Mural Brigade to Gaza this summer. We will  create a multi-media public art project with artists, activists  and youth from Palestine and around the world. This project aims to spark concrete change and inspire action by partnering with on-the-ground environmental justice organizations in Palestine including the Middle East Children’s Alliance,  Emergency Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Group (EWASH) and American Friends Service Committee. We are supported by Estria Foundation’s Water Writes Project.

Here is how you can join us:

1.)  Join our #Water4Gaza blogger/social media community and commit to spreading the word about the MAIA Mural Brigade  with your community.

2.)  Share the Indiegogo campaign link with your community in order to help us fund this important movement. http://igg.me/at/maiamurals

3.)  Add your voice to the #Water4Gaza conversation by tweeting your thoughts & wisdom about the water crisis and expressing your relationship to water using the hashtag. Here are some sample tweets below:

Water is a human right! I proudly join @btsmap on the fight for clean #water4gaza Support the movement at: igg.me/at/maiamurals

The water crisis in #Palestine continues to grow. Join me & @btsmap in the fight for clean #water4Gaza :  igg.me/at/maiamurals

Together we can demand access to clean & healthy water for Palestine & beyond. Join @btsmap in the fight #water4Gaza igg.me/at/maiamurals

In Solidarity,

BTSMAP, MECA, EWASH, Afaq Jadeeda and American Friends Service Committee

MAIA Mural Brigade – Gaza, July 2011

Mural at Al-Shati Refugee Camp, Gaza Strip, MAIA Mural Brigade

SEE ALL THE MURALS AND MORE AT

www.Maiamuralproject.org

Al-Shati was established in 1948 for about 23,000 Palestinians fleeing the cities of Jaffa, Lod and Beersheba as well as surrounding villages.

CLICK IMAGE TO SEE FLICKR PHOTO STREAM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/65003496@N06/sets/72157627193515609/

To Gaza with Love


Painting with Local Artists at the Shati Refugee Camp in Gaza City

Gaza City, Palestine—-As the news of the Flotilla and “Flytilla” bring messages of solidarity to Gaza through the twittersphere I sit overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, almost lying in wait. I’m not the only one.

I’m here as part of an artist collective called the “Maia Mural Brigade” in conjunction with the Estria Foundation’s #Water Writes Project and Break the Silence Mural and Art Project and our aim is to collaborate with local artists to paint public murals about water conditions affecting the people of Palestine.

We’re lined up to paint 8 murals in the next 7 days on water filtration systems at schools providing potable water for residents of the Gaza Strip. We meet with Dr. Mona El Farra, Director of the Middle East Children’s Alliance Maia (Water) Project, which fundraises for and implements the filters, she is our community liaison here. We sit on her porch and discuss the details—Drinking Mango nectar, eating cucumbers and pita with hummus it’s easy to forget we’re steps away from piles of rubble that were people’s homes before the siege.

Dr. Mona’s approach is warm, and open, “I won’t tell you what to paint…Artists need have space to fly.” She sends us to schools to gather content for our murals from the children of Gaza. We bring crayons and questions, and leave with drawings and stories. They draw about raw sewage spilling into the sea where the treatment plant stood before the bombs began to fall. They show us sketches of rain and clouds, fishermen and boats, soldiers and warships, drinking water and growing plants.

“You can’t separate art from politics” Dr. Mona tells us.

So we will paint, knowing that our work will speak to people whose basic needs are not being met. Hoping that our images translate their reality to the world and pull solidarity over the sea.

The Flotilla and Flytilla have both been stopped by Israel in one way or another. My colleagues and I are witnessing what the 800 activists and committed cultural workers from across the world were denied the ability to see.

As I sit here, in the lobby overlooking the sea. My mind goes to what Ive seen, drawing inspiration for art. Tomorrow we paint, and begin the first in a series of 8 murals. These 8 murals will stand as our statement, we will testify via our craft. Bearing witness to Gaza. The Message: Give these people the water they deserve and need.

~Josue Rojas
New American Media

Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project

Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project
4000 Square Feet of Multi-Media International Solidarity

300 Participants From Across Movements and Continents

www.olympiarafahmural.org

Corner of State and Capital Streets, on historic Labor Temple Builing, Olympia WA, USA

To Hear the Mural Talk go to www.oympiarafahmural.org

A Tale of Two Cities ~ The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project – The Legacy of Rachel Corrie

The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural Project is an inter-disciplinary, interactive, multi-site public art project centered around the theme of building solidarity between people on a global scale. Inspired in part by the life of Rachel Corrie, the mural is a memorial to her and the many hundreds of thousands of other lives lost in the quest for justice. The project  in part carries out her dream of building a sister city relationship between Rafah, Gaza Strip, Palestine, where she was killed in 2003,  and Olympia, Washington, USA, where she was born and raised. 23 year old Rachel was committing and act of civil disobedience, trying to protect the home and family of a Palestinian doctor, when she was crushed to death by 9 foot bulldozer.

ORSMP crosses borders and recognizes the unique relationship that now exists between the people of Olympia, Washington, the people of Rafah, Occupied Palestine.  ORSMP makes visible how the dynamics at work in Palestine and Israel are linked to a wide range of social justice struggles around the world.
The mural, in downtown Olympia WA, is thought to be the largest Palestinian solidarity mural in the world. On an olive tree of peace, with branches spanning 100 feet wide, hang over 150  huge leaves each designed by an artist or social justice organization representing people who are homeless to Latin American solidarity to Native American land struggles from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The project uses  culture and technology in innovative ways to build community and to organize for social change.  Each image in the tree will have audio files accessible by cell phone introducing themselves and explaining their leaf.  There may also be  music or a poem, etc to give a cultural flavor to the image and its authors.

Art Forces