Islamic art exhibition called off on 'security' grounds
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Your support makes all the difference.An exhibition of Islamic treasures due to open at Somerset House in London this spring – potentially in the middle of a war with Iraq – has been postponed after a year of preparations.
Staff were informed this week that the display of artefacts from the Hermitage museum in St Petersburg would be delayed because of "security concerns'', although the official reason is a lack of sponsorship.
The exhibition has been provisionally listed for spring of 2004, but only if sufficient sponsorship can be found.
Lord Rothschild, chairman of the trustees of the Hermitage Rooms at Somerset House, is understood to have told staff last week that the exhibition opening, scheduled for 1 May, was being postponed because it could attract 'the wrong sort of people'' at a time of conflict – by implication, militant Islamists.
Staff were said to be angry at the move, believing that it was important to stage such an exhibition at a time of likely conflict with Iraq, tofurther understanding of Islam and demonstrate even-handedness.
A spokeswoman for the Hermitage Rooms conceded that the "current climate'' had contributed to the decision but stressed that the main effect of this had been to deter sponsors.
"We have had a substantial amount of money pledged, but not enough to fund what would have been an exhibition that is particularly expensive to stage, mainly because of insurance costs," she said. "The current climate does raise additional concerns but these are mainly related to the funding.'' She said the exhibition had never been formally announced.
The show would have included religious artefacts, such as Korans and prayer rugs, as well as Mughal jewellery and textiles. Colin Tweedy, of Arts and Business, which promotes arts sponsorship, said: "Often exhibitions do go ahead without complete funding.... But I agree that businesses are wary because of the economic downturn and fears of war.''
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