The tragic events that took place in Israel on October 7th left deep and painful scars on the entire Israeli society, and their impact is also evident in the world of art and culture. In this lecture, we will examine the validity of the famous saying "when the cannons are heard, the muses are silent," and discuss the response of the Israeli art world to the new reality, as well as that of the international art community. We will learn about the unique challenges that museums were forced to face under constant threat, and discover how they manage to continue functioning despite the difficulties. Additionally, we will analyze the way life during war is presented within exhibition spaces, and learn how art and culture professionals adapt to the changing reality while preserving the values of creation and the human spirit, even in times of crisis.

Dr. Aya Lurie has been Director and Chief Curator of the Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art (HMOCA) since 2014. With an extensive background in curating exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Shpilman Institute of Photography, and various regional museums in Israel, Dr. Lurie has made significant contributions to the field of visual arts. She has served on numerous judging committees, including the Israel Prize and the Wolf Prize, and has been actively involved in public art committees, notably serving as Chair of the Official President's Residence Art Committee. Dr. Lurie has also lectured at several academic institutions on museology and art history. Her achievements include receiving curatorial training scholarships in Paris and London.