Seed Songs for Palestine Fundraiser

Saturday 1 March, 3.30-7pm

Join us for an afternoon of screenings and activities focusing on seed sovereignty and solidarity with Palestine’s farmers and growers. This event is a fundraiser. Donations will be given to the Arab Centre for the Protection of Nature’s ‘Reviving Gaza’s Farmland Project’, an agricultural project aiming to combat the impact of famine and blockades on Gazans.

The event will begin with the screening of a programme of films highlighting the intrinsic connections between land, culture, and self-determination. Afterwards, you can get your hands in some soil with practical planting activities, learn more about Forgan Art Centre’s own new seed library, and a make your own DIY zine.

We’ll be fuelled with food by Simply Flo who specialise in Lebanese vegan cuisine that celebrates fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold flavours that reflect the traditions of the Middle East.

Resources will be available for learning more about Palestinian culture and food security. If you can’t attend, please consider donating.

Film Programme

• Cecilia Vicuña, Semiya (Seed song) (2015, Chile, 8 mins)
• Alanis Obomsawin, Farming (1975, Canada, 2 mins)
• Rana Nazzal Hamadeh, We Would Be Freer (2023, Palestine/Canada, 9 mins)
• Marwa Arsanios, Who is Afraid of Ideology, Part I & II (2017-2019, Lebanon/Iraqi Kurdistan, North and East Syria, 39 mins)
• Ryley Williams, it’s amazing that you still exist (2021, Canada, 4 mins)
• Nicolás Grandi and Lata Mani, Nocturne I (2013, India, 5 mins)
  Total running time: 74 mins

The films in Seed Songs for Palestine engage themes of seed sovereignty and Indigenous resilience, highlighting the intrinsic connections between land, culture, and self-determination. Delving into the symbolic and practical importance of seeds, plant life, and relations with land as forms of resistance and continuity for Indigenous communities, the films interrogate the dynamics of freedom and survival in the face of environmental and colonial oppression, while also offering poignant reflections on both the fragility and resilience of existence. Collectively, they illuminate the vital role of seed sovereignty in asserting Indigenous rights and preserving cultural heritage. This collection of shorts presents a rich tapestry of voices and radical perspectives that have existed from time immemorial, considering the intersections of ecological stewardship and self determination which continue to disperse across fertile lands.

Running Order & Travel

• Arrival: 3.30pm
• Introduction and film screenings (including comfort breaks and interval): 3.45-5.45pm
• Seed sowing and zine making activities: 5.45-6.30pm
• Food served: 6.30pm

Food is being served from 6.30pm onwards due to this event taking place during Ramadan. You are welcome to stay with us to finish your meal until 7.30pm.

There will be a coach taking people from the demonstration in Dundee to Forgan Arts Centre which will leave from Dundee Train Station/Sleeperz Hotel at 3pm. The return bus back to Dundee with leave the centre at 7.30pm. There will be a group of cyclists gathering to cycle over together from City Square in Dundee at 2.45pm. The group will take a slow and social pace. Be sure to bring bicycle lights and a lock with you. We can also reimburse people with access requirements for taxis on arrival.

More information on how to get to Forgan Arts Centre can be found on the Visit Us page.

Acknowledgements

The Revive Gaza’s Farmlands Project was initiated by Golo Besmlah in collaboration with Arab Centre for the Protection of Nature. Curated by wave~form~projects and re:assemblage collective.

Forgan Arts is one of more than 150 Scottish arts organisations which have pledged to The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI). We stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and thank Arts Workers for Palestine for their continued work and advocacy.

About Arts Workers for Palestine Dundee

Arts Workers for Palestine are a group of artists and arts workers who organise locally to stand with the people of Palestine at a time of immense horror. Aiming to energise and make visible support for Palestine in their community and in the arts, they urge organisations and institutions to commit to meaningful action. They are an open and non-hierarchical group and always welcome new members. You can find them on Instagram or email to get involved.