Argument and badge for Palestine at the Goyas: five associations contact guests to coordinate a pro-cause speech
Five pro-Palestinian associations are coordinating with attendees of the Goya Awards to deliver a speech advocating for Palestine, while over 1,200 artists demand the Spanish government cease arms sales to Israel.
At the upcoming Goya Awards in 2026, which will be held in Barcelona for the first time since 2000, five pro-Palestinian associations are making efforts to rally guests around a common message advocating for the Palestinian cause. This initiative comes in response to increasing political discourse surrounding the conflict in Gaza and the role of Spain's arms sales to Israel. Notably, prominent figures in the arts have voiced their opposition to these sales, associating them with complicity in humanitarian crises.
The political landscape regarding the Palestinian issue has gained significant traction within cultural circles, particularly highlighted during events like the Goya Awards. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faced questions during the latest ceremony about the ongoing arms trade with Israel, as discontent among creatives grows over the government's stance. Artists such as Oliver Laxe, Luis Tosar, and Alba Flores have publicly urged the Spanish government to reconsider its policies, framing the arms trade as a direct link to international conflict and violence.
As the gala approaches, the collaborative efforts of these associations aim not only to enhance visibility for the Palestinian plight but also to leverage the influence of cultural icons to prompt a reassessment of governmental actions regarding foreign military transactions. This alignment of arts and activism reflects a broader trend of cultural activism influencing political discussions, particularly in Europe, framing the Goya Awards as a platform for social justice representation in the arts community.