Arts Festival Faces Backlash Over Controversial Cartoonist Invitation
A UK comic art festival's decision to host a Palestinian cartoonist with a history of alleged anti-Semitic works sparks debate on artistic freedom and responsibility, leading to a board member's resignation.
The Lakes International Comic Art Festival (LICAF) in the UK has found itself at the center of a controversy due to its decision to invite Mohammad Sabaaneh, a Palestinian cartoonist, as a key speaker. The festival, which receives funding from both the Arts Council and the British Council, has stood firm on its choice despite allegations of anti-Semitism in Sabaaneh's previous works.
Sabaaneh's past cartoons have been criticized for depicting stereotypical Jewish figures in controversial situations, including one showing a Jewish character nailing Christ to the cross while Jesus wears a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress often associated with Palestinian culture. Another drawing portrays a Jewish figure fleeing the Holocaust towards Palestine with a lit match and a gun.
The controversy has led to the resignation of Peter Kessler, a long-standing Jewish board member of LICAF. Kessler proposed challenging Sabaaneh about his previous works during a Q&A session, but the board, led by Julie Tait, rejected this idea, citing "safeguarding and equalities policies."
"Many people disagree on many things, but there are certain absolutes. And one of them is racism. When you see racism, it is your responsibility – especially as a publicly funded organisation that inspires others – to call it out."
The festival organizers have defended their decision, emphasizing that none of the allegedly anti-Semitic artworks will be displayed at the event. They view Sabaaneh's role as an "artistic ambassador, celebrating Palestinian comic art."
It's worth noting that Palestine has a rich tradition of political cartooning, often reflecting the region's complex history. In a 2013 interview, Sabaaneh claimed that "Hamas hates me," suggesting a nuanced relationship with various political factions.
The Arts Council, while investigating the issue, stated it could not take action as it is "not a regulator." The British Council emphasized that the controversial cartoons are not part of the LICAF exhibition.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing artistic freedom with social responsibility, particularly in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict, which remains one of the most contentious geopolitical issues in the modern world.
