The Art Newspaper: “The US has a big racism problem and the art world is not helping”

“A looted Kaws sculpture and museums' silence reveal a predatory not progressive industry as protests flare following the killing of George Floyd”

For full article, click here.

From @OuderkirkonArt Instagram:

This is a fantastic read.  Art institutions 👏 need 👏to 👏do 👏more👏 NOW.  

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Many of the artists I follow on instagram — the majority not famous or wealthy — are protesting side-by-side with their fellow citizens; auctioning off their artwork in an effort to raise money for Black Lives Matter approved charities; sharing important links about how to help black businesses; urging their followers to sign petitions for ending the militarization of police forces across the nation; and — importantly —using their platform to amplify voices from the black community.  

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As for institutions ...

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I see your black square in acknowledgment of listening, but it’s imperative that you use your influence and powerful voices to push for REAL change.  Our art community needs LEADERS, be one.  When you preach “Art is Essential,” you, as an institution, are a part of that package.  Simply saying you’ve “always” strived to be inclusive is not enough.  How are you taking action during this crisis?  Are you promoting and educating the public about artist’s who have been marginalized?  Are you fostering an inclusive environment? Are you supporting these humanitarian causes with your resources?  Your community needs YOU.  And when you serve them and do it well, that’s what makes YOU, the art institution, essential.

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Article Link 👉   https://www.theartnewspaper.com/comment/the-us-has-a-problem-and-the-art-world-is-not-helping

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Thank you 🙏 @reallifemaggie and @theartnewspaper 

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#toread #blacklivesmatter #turningpoint #realchange #vote  #fortheloveofart #museums #galleries #artists #contemporaryart #artkeepsgoing #activistart #artwriter 

KAWS, Companion (Passing Through), n/d 

Image Credit: 5ArtGallery [NOTE: The gallery’s original instagram post has been pulled. It’s unclear which “Companion” work was looted.]