One Family In Gaza

Past Event

The performance of One Family in Gaza, organized by the Kitsap Palestine Solidarity Coalition, has been canceled.

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) has made the decision to cancel the rental event, One Family In Gaza, after careful consideration and dialogue. As a community-centered institution, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes inclusivity, understanding, and thoughtful engagement for all. 

Given the highly complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the divisiveness of the actions and conversation that have unfolded in our community and nation, we believe it is not appropriate for the museum to be seen as endorsing or aligning with one perspective over another. 

While a number of people have expressed their appreciation for BIMA housing this rental, an equal number of people have expressed that by continuing with this event, they no longer felt welcome or safe at BIMA. This is counter to our core intentions as an organization, and this division has led us to reflect deeply on our role and responsibilities as a cultural institution.

While this play presentation was never BIMA’s event, it has become apparent that the line between a BIMA event and a rental event isn’t always as clear as we’d like, and we will work to make changes inside the museum so that private event content is distinct from museum-sponsored presentations. In this case, the line has been blurred to an extent that the content and context of this particular event appear out of alignment with BIMA’s mission to serve and reflect our diverse community as a whole. 

We understand that there are many issues that divide us as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. During this particular time of polarization and passion, we continue to work to remain a safe space for open inquiry, respectful dialogue, connection and shared learning, while being mindful of the impacts on all members of our community. We respect the personal positions of all of our community members, understand that there may be some issues in which common ground is not easily achievable, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to find our role and responsibility as a museum in community dialogue.