Galleries Across the US Unite in Nationwide Protest Against Immigration Enforcement
In a bold display of solidarity, numerous galleries and art institutions across the United States have come together to suspend operations for a day, protesting the expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding and operations. This nationwide general strike is part of a growing movement that seeks to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
At least 50 prominent galleries, including heavyweight players like Gagosian and Pace Gallery, have joined forces to participate in this historic event. The striking effort was coordinated by a decentralized network called General Strike U.S., which aims to mobilize at least 11 million people across the country to join the cause.
The decision to take action comes on the heels of widespread protests against ICE and its policies, particularly after the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Reports of deportations without investigations or trials, disappearances, and killings of US civilians have led to mounting pressure on lawmakers to address these issues.
Critics argue that the current immigration enforcement policies are eerily reminiscent of past atrocities, such as those committed by the Gestapo during World War II. The art world, which has historically been reluctant to take a political stance, is now using its collective voice to express solidarity with marginalized communities and to demand change.
While the economic impact of the general strike may be minimal, the symbolic gesture sends a powerful message that the arts community will no longer remain silent on issues of social justice. By shutting down their doors for one day, galleries are proclaiming that they see and know what's happening in America and will not ignore it.
The nationwide protest is part of a broader conversation about the role of art and culture in shaping society. As Shalom Auslander notes in an opinion piece published recently, "omertà" - the choice to remain silent - has enabled some of history's deadliest atrocities. By speaking out against ICE policies, galleries are choosing to break this silence and join the fight for justice and human rights.
The list of participating galleries reads like a who's who of the art world, with names from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond. The breadth of support is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that art can have on society when harnessed in service of social justice.
As the US government faces another deadline to address funding for ICE, galleries across the country are using their unique platform to demand change. By shutting down their doors for one day, they're sending a clear message: we see what's happening, and we won't stand by while human rights are trampled on.
In a bold display of solidarity, numerous galleries and art institutions across the United States have come together to suspend operations for a day, protesting the expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding and operations. This nationwide general strike is part of a growing movement that seeks to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
At least 50 prominent galleries, including heavyweight players like Gagosian and Pace Gallery, have joined forces to participate in this historic event. The striking effort was coordinated by a decentralized network called General Strike U.S., which aims to mobilize at least 11 million people across the country to join the cause.
The decision to take action comes on the heels of widespread protests against ICE and its policies, particularly after the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Reports of deportations without investigations or trials, disappearances, and killings of US civilians have led to mounting pressure on lawmakers to address these issues.
Critics argue that the current immigration enforcement policies are eerily reminiscent of past atrocities, such as those committed by the Gestapo during World War II. The art world, which has historically been reluctant to take a political stance, is now using its collective voice to express solidarity with marginalized communities and to demand change.
While the economic impact of the general strike may be minimal, the symbolic gesture sends a powerful message that the arts community will no longer remain silent on issues of social justice. By shutting down their doors for one day, galleries are proclaiming that they see and know what's happening in America and will not ignore it.
The nationwide protest is part of a broader conversation about the role of art and culture in shaping society. As Shalom Auslander notes in an opinion piece published recently, "omertà" - the choice to remain silent - has enabled some of history's deadliest atrocities. By speaking out against ICE policies, galleries are choosing to break this silence and join the fight for justice and human rights.
The list of participating galleries reads like a who's who of the art world, with names from New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and beyond. The breadth of support is a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that art can have on society when harnessed in service of social justice.
As the US government faces another deadline to address funding for ICE, galleries across the country are using their unique platform to demand change. By shutting down their doors for one day, they're sending a clear message: we see what's happening, and we won't stand by while human rights are trampled on.
people brought their own art supplies to create some dope murals outside their galleries during the shut down. Like, one gallery in LA turned the entire facade of their building into a giant mural of a family separated by ICE policies 
. The message is clear: the arts community won't be ignored on this issue 
its so sick that the art world is finally taking a stand against ICE policies, i mean who would've thought that galleries would be the ones to break the silence on these issues? 
50+ galleries shutting down for a day is already sending a major message, but lets be real, we all know this is just the beginning. 
the fact that its not just the art world, but a decentralized network of ppl mobilizing millions is giving me LIFE. 
this nationwide general strike is exactly what were needed, and i cant wait to see how it all plays out. 
I totally get why galleries are taking a stand against ICE policies. It's not just about art for art's sake – it's about using their platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. I mean, think about it: if everyone had spoken up when they saw atrocities happening in the past, maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation today 
. The power of collective action is real, and if art can mobilize millions, that's a force to be reckoned with 
can't believe all these awesome galleries comin' together like this its wild that art world is finally takin on ICE i mean weve been talkin bout this stuff for yrs but now its like everyone's gettin on the same page 
You gotta respect the fact that they're taking a stand on something that really matters. It's all about being aware of the impact our actions have on others & making conscious choices to use our platform for good. It's like, we can't just turn a blind eye to injustices & expect everything to magically get better. We gotta be willing to take risks, make noise, & demand change 
galleries doing a 1-day strike against ICE is kinda about time... I mean, it's not like they're just rich people playing hooky or anything 
. As an artist myself, it's sickening to think that our community has been so complicit in the silence around these issues. But hey, at least some of us are waking up and using our privilege for good 
. The question is, what's gonna happen after today? Are they just gonna go back to their usual business as usual or will this spark something more? 