NSW council refuses to show world-renowned Gaza artwork over ‘unacceptable’ safety risk
Exclusive: Shoalhaven council says Wall of Tears installation by Phil Buehler posed risk to staff, visitors and tenants Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A New South Wales local council has refused to show a world-renowned artwork about children killed in Gaza after asking organisers to investigate hiring “armed guards” to counter the risk of “community conflict” over…
Shoalhaven council in New South Wales has refused to display a world-renowned artwork commemorating children killed in Gaza, citing an "unacceptable" safety risk. The Wall of Tears installation by American artist Phil Buehler was intended to be shown at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra, but the council requested an investigation into hiring "armed guards" to counter risks such as "community conflict," "protest, counter-protest, community conflict," and "verbal abuse, intimidation or disruption."
The group, Shoalhaven Friends of Palestine, was also asked to shorten the exhibition window and restrict attendance. Despite meeting all requirements, the council decided against hosting the event, citing staff safety concerns. The artist, who has shown the work in cities worldwide, expressed shock at the perceived safety risk, stating that the artwork is a tribute to 18,457 children killed in Gaza. The council did not disclose what triggered their safety concerns.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
