The OCAD Faculty Association (OCADFA), representing artist-scholars, designers, and educators at OCAD University, stands in solidarity with progressive Jewish organizations, artists, and cultural workers speaking out against donor interference and the misuse of antisemitism to suppress artistic and political expression.
Multiple media reports — including coverage by The Globe and Mail and Hyperallergic — describe how the Art Gallery of Ontario’s modern and contemporary collections committee declined to acquire a recent work by Jewish American artist Nan Goldin. During discussions, members of the committee reportedly referenced Goldin’s public political speech on Gaza and Israel. Trustee Judy Schulich is reported to have participated in the committee meeting and opposed the acquisition. Subsequent to this decision, the AGO’s curator of modern and contemporary art resigned, and several volunteer committee members stepped down—one of whom is an OCAD faculty member.
These events have sparked a growing petition started by progressive Jewish groups and artists — titled Not in Our Name: Jewish Groups Reject Donor Censorship and the Weaponization of Antisemitism — which you can read and sign at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8Hb0e9xb558LhuVfNGb2MorAlTEpMkTTjXZJlPaTIZBHVfw/viewform
OCADFA is alarmed by press accounts that political viewpoints were weighed in curatorial decision-making, and that allegations of antisemitism were invoked in the context of artistic governance. We share deep concerns about governance practices at public cultural institutions when donor influence or political pressure appears to override professional and curatorial judgment.
This episode points to a disturbing pattern of governance crises at the AGO, including the departure of Wanda Nanibush, the institution’s inaugural Curator of Canadian and Indigenous Art. Published reports reveal Nanibush was targeted with intense backlash within the institution to her public support for Palestinian rights.
As a union committed to academic freedom, artistic autonomy, and transparent governance, we reaffirm that:
- Criticism of any state, including the Israeli government, is not inherently antisemitism. Legitimate political critique must not be conflated with hatred of a people.
- Artistic and academic freedom are fundamental. Decisions about acquisitions, programming, and exhibitions should be grounded in professional expertise and artistic merit, not donor interference or political litmus tests.
- Antisemitism is real and must be confronted. Its meaning should not be diluted or instrumentalized in ways that chill speech or weaken institutions’ capacity to address genuine hatred.
OCADFA calls for:
- Transparent governance practices that safeguard curatorial independence.
- Institutional clarity distinguishing genuine antisemitism from legitimate political critique.
- Accountability and review of processes that allow political considerations to shape curatorial decisions.
Weaponizing allegations of hate to silence free expression harms artists and weakens public trust in cultural institutions. And it makes it harder to confront real instances of antisemitism and other forms of discrimination when they occur.
Artistic Freedom Includes Palestine:
Min Sook Lee, President
Ontario College of Art & Design Faculty Association (OCADFA)
