As Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution enters its third month, musicians Peter Gabriel, Pussy Riot, and Iron & Wine have now joined pro-democracy demonstrators in demanding greater electoral reforms for the region.
The artists have lifted umbrellas in unison with protestors to show solidarity within the Occupy Movement, aptly renamed for the umbrellas the demonstrators have been using to protect themselves against tear gas after clashes with police.
Stand By You 2.0, a media art campaign, is extending messages of encouragement to protestors at downtown Hong Kong’s Lennon Wall, which has become the center of the movement.
At least 30,000 messages from 70 different countries have been put up on the wall since the protests began in September.
Now, in addition to the art campaign, the demonstrators have a little star power behind them, as popular 80s musician Peter Gabriel is joined by folk group Iron & Wine and Russian feminist punk group Pussy Riot.
The group of artists, among others, shared words of encouragement for the people of Hong Kong, who have been demonstrating in large groups that continue to swell, despite pressure from aggressive police tactics.
Pussy Riot and others had a message for protestors:
“Solidarity. Shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand,” Pussy Riot said in a message, holding a sign that read “Occupy Hong Kong.”
Peter Gabriel added: “Water gets everywhere, like the will of the people.”
Celebrity chef Mario Batali also had kind words for the movement: “Eat well and don’t take any crap.”
Hunter Haney, founder of the human rights group The Voice Project, passed along this message, via Rolling Stone:
“We want to show the faces of some of the people around the world who so admire what these young people are doing,” said Haney. “We wanted to show them that we still stand with them and to help counteract propaganda that they don’t have support out there.”
While the demonstrators have the support of a diverse group of celebrity activists, it is unlikely their presence will sway those in charge.
In October, government officials criticized popular saxophonist Kenny G. for visiting the site of the protests:
I think Kenny G’s music is popular in China, though regarding the illegal protest in Hong Kong, the Chinese government has a clear position. We think that is an illegal campaign.
We hope all foreign countries and individuals could be discreet in words and deeds and not support the illegal protest in any forms.
People interested in sending a message of support for the movement can do so with social media by using the hashtags #StandByYou and #UmbrellaRevolution.
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