The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux draws the red line for Gaza

Jun 12, 2025 | Events, News

15.6.2025

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux draws the red line for Gaza—because all the red lines in Gaza have long been crossed.

Recently, members of the oKo-network (overleg kunstenorganisaties), which consists of all professional arts organisations in Flanders and Brussels, have come together to spread a joint, sector-wide message and take collective action. oKo supports the initiatives and will also draw up a letter to the Flemish Minister of Culture to support the cultural sector in this position. On Sunday, 15 June, we stand side by side with cultural organisations in Brussels, joining the demonstration organised by 11.11.11.

Culture cannot stay silent. Culture can not look away. Culture can resist.

We demand:

  • An immediate ceasefire
  • Withdrawal from illegally occupied Palestinian territories
  • Full access for humanitarian aid to Gaza
  • Continued funding for UNRWA, while upholding accountability mechanisms
  • National and EU sanctions against Israel
  • Suspension of the EU –Israel Association Agreement
  • Ban on imports from illegal settlements
  • Prosecution of war crimes before the International Criminal Court
  • Recognition of the State of Palestine

We demand that Europe no longer remains silent, but takes a stand—
for justice,
for human rights,
for lasting peace,
for the future of the Palestinian people.

We urge all cultural organisations in Finland to speak up, act and put pressure on the Finnish government to end its silence.

To the Finnish community and our networks in Belgium: join us on Sunday in Brussels and make your voices heard!

The more people join, the louder our message will be.

 

Practical Info:

Sunday, 15 June 2025
Brussels North Station
Performances begin at 14:00 with Palestinian and Jewish voices alongside artists.
The march departs at 14:45 and concludes at Jean Reyplein at 17:00.
Wear red.

 

The oKo-network (overleg kunstenorganisaties) consists of more then 240 members, all professional arts organisations in Flanders and Brussels, engaged in the creation, production, distribution, participation and/or the support of arts.
Learn more about the oKo-network.

11.11.11 is a Belgian non-governmental organisation that works as an umbrella organisation for international solidarity.
Learn more about 11.11.11.

Brussels grew on me: a note before I go – Laura Boxberg

Reflecting on her time in Brussels, Director Laura Boxberg shares thoughts on her time at the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux.

Institute office closed for summer break: 21.7.–15.8.2025

Our office will be closed from the 21st of July to the 15th of August. You can still email us, we’ll reply after we return. Happy summer!

Register now: Autumn 2025 Finnish language courses

Start learning Finnish this autumn! Join our courses online or in Brussels! Registration closes 1 September 2025.

Culture, science and strategy: Finnish institutes meet in the heart of Europe

The Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes met in Brussels to discuss EU advocacy, sustainability, and culture’s role in Finland’s international relations. Read a short summary in English and the full recap in Finnish.

Explore the 2024 Annual Report of the Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux

The Finnish Cultural Institute for the Benelux’s Annual Report is now available to read in Finnish. You can also find key numbers and a summary in English on our website.