Voices of Palestine
Impressions from a Stateless People
an International Human Rights Art Movement “Rapid Response” publishing project
“The first step toward peace is understanding.”
Deadline extended until April 30, 2024
Call for entries
Please submit work to submit@humanrightsartmovement.org
The International Human Rights Art Movement issues a call for Palestinian authors and artists for Voices of Palestine: Impressions from a Stateless People, a print anthology of Palestinian culture and experience since the founding of Israel and up to and including the recent military campaign in Gaza.
We desire to uplift, to make known and to introduce the fertile Palestinian culture and difficult experience of this stateless, multi-religious, Arabic people to a wider, international audience.
We look forward to publishing firsthand accounts of lived-experiences and factual, sensitive retellings of Palestinian life, reflecting upon the the past decades, up to recent, unprecedented events. We encourage submissions from all Palestinians, and supporters of this stateless people. We want to hear what you have to say!
All written work must be submitted in English; however, submissions originally written in Arabic or other languages are welcome if they accompany an English translation. Writers may submit two essays or stories up to 2500 words, and/or up to five poems for consideration.
Artists may submit up to 5 pieces of visual art in .jpeg, .jpg, or .png form. Please submit all artwork in the highest quality format possible (zip files and WeTransfer files are encouraged for large file sizes).
Pieces will be judged for quality, as decided on by the IHRAM Publishes team, as well as adherence to our signature principles of beauty as a fundamental creative value; sincerity and vulnerability of presentation; opening doorways of engagement, and celebrating the diversity of the Palestinian experience at home and around the world.
Each selected writer or artist will earn a $25 stipend, regardless of number of pieces accepted.
Please send all work to submit@humanrightsartmovement.org, with the subject line: Voices of Palestine.
There is no fee to submit
Deadline: April 30, 2024
What they’re saying about us…
A meeting place for arts, human rights and the government. This is a new kind of coming together.
Dr Sarah Sayeed, Senior Advisor in the NYC Community Affairs Unit, specializing in Muslim outreach
IHRAF is one of the only festivals of its kind. The world urgently needs artists who are creating work about human rights - especially at this point in our divisive times.
Christina Evans, Performance Artist, California
The reaction of enthusiasm from the audience showed us that IHRAF was more than just a festival to perform at--it was a platform for artistic exchange on how to use the arts to challenge the world. Love the work IHRAF does!
Shilpa Darivemula, Aseemkala Initiative
I have so much gratitude to be welcomed under the diverse & inclusive umbrella that is IHRAF. It is a gift to receive support from an organization that truly understands the role of art and it's intimate connection to activism, as a vital component to the sustainability and positive growth of our world.
Mara Rosenbloom, pianist, improviser, composer, educator
This is truly a festival for everyone and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to perform at the IHRAF. Tom is a real thought leader who has a clear vision of the role of the arts in the current world. The festival was also a great place to connect with other passionate artists and become inspired.
Sora Baek, Playwright/Performer
Of many festivals in NYC, this one aligned perfectly with my own values and the values that are inherent in my show. A great organization, very accommodating and supportive of the performer. They had a real plan for marketing that assured a good house. Start to finish, I couldn't have been more pleased with my IHRAF experience.
Mark Lanham, Playwright/Performer
In my view, IHRAF is one of the most powerful movements of the 21st century, and it is here to stay. IHRAF has revolutionized human rights through the use of arts.
Wole Adedoyin, Director, IHRAM African Secretariat
The International Human Rights Art Festival is doing an amazing work by empowering creative writers and providing them with the tools, resources and support they need to create lasting change. By fostering a community of artists and activists united in their pursuit of social justice, IHRAF has established itself as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, harnessing the transformative power of art to make the world a better place.
Stanley Umezulike, Nigeria
The International Human Rights Art Festival is the platform of possibilities and eternal optimism. It is IHRAF founder Tom Block’s brave vision that gives these new, emerging and established writers and artists an opportunity to stand up for what they believe in through their art and writing. His initiatives and projects encourage, invite and spur change to happen. Without doubt, thanks to Tom Block’s unwavering support for human rights and the arts.
Kelly Kaur, Singapore/Canada
The International Human Rights Art Festival has been featured in the New York Times, Fox Five Morning Show, NBC Live!, NY Observer, Crain’s NY Business, Metro-NY, AM-NY, Gay City News, Brooklyn Rail, and many others; we have been banned by the Catholic Church, lionized by politicians and government workers and have presented more than 1000 artists from 103 countries in our half-decade of existence!