A new public artwork commissioned by Choose Love, Counterpoints and the Southbank Centre.

Responding to the Refugee Week 2026 theme ‘Courage’ and the Choose Love & Creative Visions themes ‘Unique and United’, Mattar’s commission is a bold public artwork inviting reflection on solidarity, community and courage, co-designed in collaboration with young people.

The installation is part of the Southbank Centre’s Riverside Sessions.

About Malak Mattar

Malak Mattar (b. Gaza Strip) is a multidisciplinary Palestinian artist whose work is rooted in personal and collective experiences under occupation and siege. She began painting as a teenager, using art as a form of survival and resistance. Her work has been exhibited internationally and is held in private and public collections, including the British Museum. Mattar is also the Artistic Director of the Together for Palestine Concert and the author of the bestselling children’s book Sitti’s Bird.

Photo: Mark Field