On Saturday 29 June 2024, 200 artists in the UK Breaking and Streetdance scene showed up at the Richmix London, to celebrate Palestine, activism and hip-hop culture.
Rain Summer Jam For Palestine 2024
(Film by Webbe Chu)
A staple of the UK Breaking scene, Rain Jams create a space for artists to be inspired, connect with others and make art that matters. This time, for Palestine!
Rain Crew has a history of using art as a vehicle for social change. We believe that art is an inherent part of humanity that allows us to connect with ourselves and each other. We believe in the power of art to help us reimagine the world and create our future. We believe that everyone should have the right to freedom and safety to do so. Unfortunately, this has not been the case in Palestine for some time. In 2012 the world was shaken by images and videos of Israeli attacks on Gaza. People across the globe watched as children in Gaza were helplessly killed in military attacks on the civilian population. This was one of many such instances since the Israeli occupation of Palestine from 1948 to the present day. In the wake of this tragedy, several artists reached out to Rain Crew with an idea to raise awareness and funds through street performances in London's Trafalgar Square. It was title Busk4Peace. A callout was made, the artists showed up and the funds raised were given to grassroots organisations supporting local people affected by the disaster in Palestine.
In recent years, awareness has grown and an overwhelming number of artists have expressed their anger, sadness and helplessness at seeing the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank.
Rain Jam For Palestine aimed to provide a vehicle for artists and audiences to channel their empathy and creative energy in a generative way.
Featuring
Exciting dance battles and cyphers with artists from across the UK bringing fun, high energy vibes to the 2on2 Breaking and 1on1 Open Styles competition
Inspiring artwork and performances celebrating Palestinian culture, Hip-hop and activitism
Educational film, talk, and an interactive Palestine information zone for those seeking a way to get more involved
Direct action through fundraising over £700 via donations and ticket sales with proceeds from the event going to Bayt Al Mafatih providing accommodation and basic essentials directly to families who've evacuated Gaza into Egypt.
Thank you to EVERYONE that came out to the jam and got down for Palestine. It was a diverse mix of dancers and non-dancers coming together for a space to channel their creativity and emotions alongside a community with shared values.
Our winners
Congratulations to our Open Styles winner Harry Barnes and Breaking winners Gribz and Jetzai. Shout out to our Open Styles finalist Shawn, and Breaking finalists Spin and Litefoot. Not only did they get the audience hyped throughout they day, they all shared their creativity, movement and even prize money with a worthy cause!
Our community
Thank you to our esteemed panel of judges Shortbread, Razzleroc, Cri6, Cori D, Lauren Scott and Duran Deedee. Elite artists on the UK dance scene, specialists in their fields and vocal advocates for peace and safety for Palestinians and artists everywhere. Our judges not only contributed their time and knowledge but also their fee towards supporting direct action for Palestinians evacuating Gaza.
Thank you DJs Francesca Rose, TyTan and Lotus. Who played bangers all day giving the audience and competitors energy and a taste of rebel music throughout.
Thank you to all the supporters, volunteers, staff and crew - this wouldn't have been possible without you ❤️
Naajia
Vishaka
(Contact Erin Hambly for Images)
Our Allies
A huge huge shout out to Rich Mix for giving us the space and freedom to put on the jam we wanted. One of the leading and growing number of arts venues and organisations willing to put on pro Palestine events - We see you and we won't forget! Specifically Shay D - Thank you!
Big love to Bayt Al Mafatih making a significant and direct impact to the lives of Palestinians. We couldn't be more proud to support Taslima and Leila from Bayt Al Mafatih. Please follow them, support, donate!
"We are all Palestinians"
Educate yourself, take action, make art!
To understand the current situation, checkout the report published by Restlessbeings: https://www.restlessbeings.org/articles/mass-extermination-mass-expulsion-israeli-war-crimes-in-gaza
To give direct support to families in need, donate to Bayt Al Mafatih: https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/bayt_almafatih
To find inspiration and ideas for how to take action and provide support through art and culture check out cultural intifada: https://www.theculturalintifada.com/
Check out 5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT PALESTINE
This one was special. Thank you to Rain Crew members who all donated their time and energy for a cause close to all of us. Rain Crew will continue to advocate for collective liberation and will keep fighting for a Free Palestine, we hope you join us. Thank you!
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