Artists who have signed the pledge include;  Stephen Rea, Sinéad Cusack, Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine, Damien Dempsey, Sharon Shannon, Robert Ballagh, Mary Black, Kíla, Sisterix, CMAT, Pillow Queens, Kneecap, TPM, Steo Wall, Oein DeBhairduin and Roisin El Cherif as well as established figures Kevin Barry, Joe Rooney, Mary Coughlan, Derbhle Crotty, Paul Duane and Eugene O’Hare.

Would you look at this, over 1,000! It’s amazing and we are so delighted to reach this landmark of Irish solidarity with #Palestine. #BDS is UNSTOPPABLE
Over 1000 Irish artists pledge to boycott Israel in support of Palestine https://t.co/swFxLJ68Z1 via @hotpress

— IPSC (@ipsc48) January 25, 2021

Signing this pledge means these artists will not perform in the apartheid state of Isreal. In a statement of the IPSC website, it states; “these artists refuse to allow their art to be exploited by an apartheid state that disregards international law and universal principles of human rights.” 

Zoë Lawlor, IPSC Cultural Liaison spoke about the news to Hotpress saying; “We are very proud to have so many artists sign up to our pledge, reaching 1,000 signatories is a huge landmark in Irish solidarity with Palestine and a serious statement in support of the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice and equality.”

“As the indigenous Palestinian people endure their 73rd year of dispossession, ethnic cleansing, apartheid and enforced exile, and western governments fail to sanction Israel, they need the solidarity of people of conscience – and this pledge plays a major part in that, Irish artists have faced an extremely difficult year, but have still shown their support for the Palestinian people, and it is both moving and heartening so see such empathy and shared humanity.”

If you are an Irish artist or an artist based in Ireland and would like to add your signature, please contact culturalboycott@ipsc.ie. The full pledge is below.

“In response to the call from Palestinian civil society for a cultural boycott of Israel, we pledge not to avail of any invitation to perform or exhibit in Israel, nor to accept any funding from any institution linked to the government of Israel, until such time as Israel complies with international law and universal principles of human rights.”

Ireland in Music will be broadcasted on RTÉ tonight and will then tour festivals in 2021, to broadcast Irish talent to the world. Sharing the trailer on Instagram, the Ireland in Music account said; “The world premiere of a new platform for Irish music. Our aim is to promote Irish music globally with high quality projects.”

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A post shared by IrelandInMusic (@irelandinmusic)

The film was formed in May of this year with the creators of TradFest with the aim of showcasing Irish musicians to people abroad. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, artists couldn’t tour and felt they lost that connection to their fans. Tradfest decided to create this piece to bring people together and show the stunning landmarks Ireland has to offer.

The film was recorded throughout September and October with varying degrees of lockdown and social distancing rules. Producer and director, Donal Scannell spoke about the special saying that “in many ways Ireland In Music is a celebration of what’s possible even during the darkest days.” He also added; “This musical mixtape is a snapshot of Ireland as filtered through the ears, mouths, hearts and souls of the enlightened.”

Donal Scannell also said in a piece he wrote for RTÉ about his obsession with Irish music and television said; “Netflix, although still only a small percentage of the total TV market, has helped us all realise that TV has been globalised. This is a great opportunity for Irish programme makers to make shows not only for Ireland, but for the world.”

Ireland in Music will be broadcasted on RTÉ tonight, the 29th of December, at 8pm. It will also be available on the RTÉ player in the UK.