Art Does Not Fall Silent

ART DOES NOT FALL SILENT

Art and the artist are the conscience of society. Art is the most powerful domain in which the people can freely express their thoughts and give form to their creativity. Article 64 of the Constitution of the Republic of Turkey places upon the state the duty to protect artists and art.

The organised interference with the play "Karımın Kocası" ("My Wife's Husband") staged at Diyarbakır State Theatre is a blow not only to a work of art but to our societal freedoms and our right to expression. The targeting of a constitutionally protected work of art by a group of individuals seeking to impose their personal views is incompatible with the principles of the rule of law and openly carries elements of threat and coercion.

It is unacceptable for State Theatres, which fall under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to be subjected to such acts. We call upon the Ministry to fulfil its constitutional obligations and to protect art and artists. Furthermore, the silence of the General Directorate of State Theatres in the face of these attacks and its avoidance of making an official statement have created a profound sense of distrust in the public.

As Kültür Emekçileri Sendikası (Cultural Workers' Union), we condemn these attacks in the strongest terms. We reiterate that such oppressive conduct toward art and artists must not go unpunished.

We will stand firm against those who attempt to silence art. Art does not fall silent.

KÜLTÜR EMEKÇİLERİ SENDİKASI (CULTURAL WORKERS' UNION)