Art Does Not Fall Silent

ART WILL NOT BE SILENCED

Art and the artist are the conscience of society. Art is the most powerful space in which the people can express their thoughts freely and bring forth their creativity. Article 64 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey charges the state with the duty of protecting the artist and art. At the same time, Articles 26 and 27 of the Constitution state clearly that freedom of expression — and its exercise through art — is inviolable. The recent events, however, are a direct assault on these fundamental rights and on the rule of law.

The organised interference against the play "Karımın Kocası", staged at the Diyarbakır State Theatre, is a blow not only to a work of art but to our social freedoms and our right of expression. For a group of individuals to target a work of art under constitutional protection by imposing their personal views is incompatible with the principles of a state governed by the rule of law, and plainly carries the character of threat and intimidation. These attacks amount to a warning shot aimed at a space — the theatre — where critical thought and social dialogue beat at the heart.

The limits of individual freedoms are drawn at the point where they begin to interfere with the rights and freedoms of others. No one may violate the fundamental rights of others in order to impose their own beliefs and values on society. Such acts not only threaten the constitutional order; they also endanger our individual freedoms. These interventions against art and the artist exceed the bounds of personal preference and freedom, and amount to an attack on society's shared values.

It is unacceptable that the State Theatres, attached to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, are subjected to such acts. We call on the Ministry to fulfil its constitutional obligations and protect art and the artist. Moreover, the silence of the General Directorate of the State Theatres in the face of these attacks, and its avoidance of any official statement, has created deep distrust in the public. This attitude gives rise to a strong perception that artists have been left alone, and suggests that constitutional duties are being neglected.

Targeting art is an attack on society's shared memory and future. Every violent, threatening or intimidating attempt violates the rights not only of the artist but of the people. The audience's freedom to watch art is as sacred as the artist's freedom to create, and may not be violated under any circumstances.

As the Culture Workers' Union, we condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. We repeat that this repressive attitude towards art and artists must not go unpunished, and that such acts must be punished resolutely within the framework of the law. We call on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and all the relevant authorities to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities and to help the public embrace art.

We will stand firm against those who try to silence art. Art will not be silenced. Let no one doubt that we will use the power we draw from the Constitution to the very end, on behalf of our people and our artists.

CULTURE WORKERS' UNION