Join us for the official launch of this very special exhibition, the first of its kind outside the Middle East and North Africa.

In partnership with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and the British Council, in the exquisite surrounds of Left Bank Leeds, we are so proud to host this original installation which focuses on the work of twelve Palestinian comic artists.

Curated by George Khoury, who is based in Lebanon and recognised as the region’s leading expert on Arab comics, the exhibition explores themes ranging from personal identity to geopolitics, with the artists presenting remarkable perspectives on Palestine. The clamour of the past decades has tended to obscure the everyday lives and unique creativity of Palestinian comic artists, and 'Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free' seeks to reveal these unheard voices and experiences.

"Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" invites visitors to witness bold strokes of defiance and gentle whispers of hope.

The installation will also feature five short videos by some of the featured artists, offering a unique insight in their owns words.

"Enter the Mulberry Tree and Fly Free" features the work of, in alphabetical order by given name, Abdelrazaq Leila, Al-Nakhala Amal, Al-Shamali Shahd, Amer Shomali, Ata Iasmin Omar (also known as Delta), Dabaie Marguerite, Harb Samir, Hifaoui Nour, Jabareen Michael, Jarada Khaled, Sabaaneh Mohammad, and Yamani Fuad.

Most of the artists now live in the Palestinian diaspora, including America, Germany and France and some were born in these countries or in refugee camps – but all their work is bound by their strong emotional connections to Palestine.

“Palestine has been a constant subject in children’s comics magazines since their inception in the middle of the last century,” notes artist, writer and educator George Khoury, who has kindly provided a special introduction to the exhibition, to accompany the art.

“Today, Palestine is telling its own intimate story through the narratives of its people spread across the planet. As the rightful owners of the cause, they deserve to have their voices heard, to embrace it, and to protect it from everyone’s bidding.

"They, and only they, bear the answer – a dream of a ‘happy ending’ that has been yearned for over 75 years. Their cause is rooted in rights and justice, transcending the confines of political dogma, ideology, historical narratives, and geographical boundaries. They challenge us all to reconsider our relationship with the land, culture, individual freedom, and cultural gender identity.”

This opening evening runs from 6-9pm on Wednesday 13 November

The exhibition runs from 6-28 November, please see our full website calendar for opening times