This article appeared in Being Samia Halaby Issue #68 dedicated to spotlighting the journey of Samia Halaby, a Palestinian-American artist whose resilience shines through despite challenges like the cancellation of a significant exhibition at Indiana University. Halaby’s remarkable year, marked by global exhibitions and well-deserved acclaim, underscores her ability to transcend borders with art that prompts reflection on themes of identity, belonging, and social justice, serving as a bridge across cultural divides.
In the underbelly of the contemporary art world, emerging Arab artists navigate a landscape marked by both optimism and challenge. Historically, artistic movements have been dominated first by European and then American artists. Amidst this emerging, dynamic group of Arab talent, Samia Halaby has forged a path of innovation, supported by a handful of visionary supporters. The protagonists in her journey include patrons of her art, but more importantly, the gallerists and collectors who believed in her.
Halaby’s trajectory has been profoundly shaped by the steadfast guidance of the founders of Ayyam Gallery and Sfeir-Semler Gallery. Through their mentorship and belief in her vision, she has transcended barriers, expanding her artistic horizons onto a global stage and opening new channels for her work, and Arab art in general.
Yet, Halaby’s ambitions extend beyond personal success. With a deep-rooted connection to her Palestinian heritage and continued pursuit of justice, she established the Samia A. Halaby Foundation, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Palestinians and benefiting working-class Palestinian children and women living within the borders of Mandate Palestine (1920-1948) and also within other Arab countries.
As her story continues to unfold, Halaby’s journey exemplifies what can be achieved with the collaborative efforts of skilled and determined backers. The following is a collection of commentary from those who have been ringside and a word from a foundation that exemplifies the power of art as a catalyst for social change and empowerment.
The Samia A. Halaby Foundation: Empowering Palestinian Communities Through a Legacy of Art
In 2017, following decades of pioneering artwork, scholarly contributions to Palestinian art history and theory, and unwavering activism, Samia Halaby established a foundation that aims to cement her legacy. With the inception of the Foundation, her life’s work finds new resonance and reach, poised to transcend borders and generations.
At the heart of the Foundation’s mission lies a dual commitment. The first is to preserve and proliferate Halaby’s artistic oeuvre by publishing her writings, a catalogue raisonné —a comprehensive annotated listing of all her known works, and with museum placements. Through her body of work, Halaby’s activism will continue to strengthen the social fabric within historic Palestine.
With this activist focus in mind, the second goal of the foundation is to help Palestinian working-class children and mothers. The Foundation proudly collaborates with esteemed partners who share our dedication to nurturing Palestinian society with courage, ingenuity, and resilience. It is both an honour and a profound responsibility to work alongside organisations such as the Tamer Institute for Community Education through the United Palestine Appeal, RIWAQ via the Middle East Children’s Alliance, and Dar Al-Kalima University through Bright Stars of Bethlehem, as we collectively strive towards transformative change.
As we forge ahead into the future, our aspiration is to develop a project that welcomes collaboration and input from other foundations and passionate supporters. Currently, this ambitious endeavour is undergoing meticulous planning and design under the guidance of our Grants Committee.
Our partnership with the Tamer Institute is a direct response to the increasing influence of Israel on school curricula. Our objective is clear: to empower Palestinian school children by offering them a means to explore and embrace their cultural heritage through an engaging interactive program accessible on their cell phones or tablets.
Initiatives led by young members of Dar Al Kalima University have centred on advocating for women’s freedom of movement, facilitating artistic expression through drawing and video creation, and ensuring access for children from besieged villages to visit Palestinian museums and libraries in urban centres. These transformative field trips not only offer memorable experiences but also broaden horizons for children residing in villages and refugee camps.
Illustrating this commitment is “My Little Museum,” a distinctive initiative designed to foster art appreciation and inspire creative expression among young children. Spearheaded by a Dar El-Kalima University alumna, this project utilised a modest grant to conduct classes and develop a “My Little Museum” kit. Complete with art supplies and an accompanying book, this kit empowered children to embark on their artistic journey, cultivating a deeper connection with the world of art.
The Foundation’s dedication to empowering Palestinian communities underscores Samia Halaby’s enduring legacy of compassion and solidarity. By proliferating her work and investing in the education, creativity, and self-sufficiency of society’s most underrepresented groups, the foundation continues to pave the way for a brighter, more resilient future for Palestine and its people.