NSW council refuses to show world-renowned Gaza artwork over ‘unacceptable’ safety risk
Summary
Shoalhaven City Council in New South Wales declined to host the Wall of Tears, an artwork commemorating children killed in Gaza, citing an unacceptable safety risk to gallery staff, visitors and building tenants. Organisers say the council had asked them to consider armed guards and other restrictions, and they have arranged to show the work at Berry Uniting Church instead.Key Facts
- The Wall of Tears was created by American artist Phil Buehler and has been exhibited in Australia and other cities.
- The artwork commemorates 18,457 children reported killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and July 19, 2025.
- Shoalhaven Friends of Palestine planned to show the installation at Shoalhaven Regional Gallery in Nowra on Tuesday.
- A council risk assessment asked organisers to investigate armed guards and raised concerns about protests, community conflict and disruption.
- The council also asked organisers to shorten the exhibition from eight days to three, restrict entry to people with RSVPs and stop advertising it.
- Council chief executive Andrew Constance decided not to host the exhibition, citing staff safety concerns.
- The council said the installation presented an unacceptable risk but did not explain what prompted its concerns.
- Organiser Annette Pham arranged for the artwork to be installed at Berry Uniting Church on Thursday.
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