A new exhibition, Preservation, highlighting the work of internationally acclaimed Palestinian artists, is arriving in Toronto this month. The exhibition will run from March 19th to May 17th at The Theatre Centre.

Commissioned by Volcano and curated by theatre maker and Volcano Associate Artist Rimah Jabr, the exhibition seeks to foreground the perspectives of artists whose work and voices are at risk of erasure due to war, genocide, or targeted violence.

The exhibition presents new multidisciplinary works that offer audiences a deeper perspective on Palestinian life through the voices of Palestinian artists themselves, beyond the lens of Western media.

The Artists

Preservation features new works by four internationally acclaimed Palestinian artists:

• Marah Haj, dancer and choreographer
• Moaz Hosni, filmmaker
• Shahd Itbakhi, installation and multidisciplinary artist
• Hosny Salah, photographer

Through a mix of dance, film, photography, and installation, the exhibition explores identity, resilience, and life under duress while highlighting the diversity of Palestinian histories, cultures, and lived experiences.

Rather than presenting Palestinian identity as monolithic or reductionist, Preservation draws attention to the region’s multifaceted diversity, including differences in history, culture, class, religion, and ethnicity – alongside reflections on life shaped by conflict.

Curatorial Vision

Curator Rimah Jabr shared that the exhibition was developed through conversations with the artists about the expectations often placed on Palestinian identity.

“Recently, I have learned that presenting oneself as Palestinian often comes with certain stereotypes and expectations,” says Rimah.

“What does this mean to you? How do you position yourself in relation to this stereotypical context? Is there something you believe deserves attention that someone from outside your environment would not expect?” These are questions that helped shape the works presented in the exhibition.

Volcano Artistic Director Ross Manson also emphasized the importance of preserving artistic voices during times of conflict.

“We know that artists around the world are silenced by state violence. We know their places of work – theatres, studios, galleries, and more – are frequently destroyed. We know that art is erased in war and genocide. And we also know that the points of view of artists are essential to humanity,” Manson said.

“Our intention is to support the work of highly skilled artists under duress and give us on the outside a chance to see conflict with different eyes, in a way not available through traditional journalism or social media.”

Visiting the Exhibition

The exhibition will be on view at The Theatre Centre (1115 Queen St. West) from March 19th to May 17th, 2026, with free admission.

The exhibition will also be available to view online beginning April 10th on Volcano’s website.

As always, you can keep up with the latest fun things to do across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.

PRESERVATION

When: March 19th to May 17th

• Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
• Saturday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where: The Theatre Centre, 1115 Queen St. West, Gallery

Admission: Free Admission