WHITE OCCUPATION OF A CHINESE ARTS CENTRE - A CALL TO ACTION

Comments

#204

the actions of the current management reveal institutional racism and lack of transparency

Helena Reckitt (London, 2021-05-19)

#207

No space and opportunities for Chinese artists should be governed by white people. Simple as that. It is not and never has been our place as white people to control the lives of other races and ethnicities.

James Palmer (Abingdon, 2021-05-19)

#214

racism in practice

Ellie Doney (London, 2021-05-19)

#225

Institutional racism needs to be tackled in the art world.

Gina Dickinson (Walkington, 2021-05-19)

#232

us, white people, need to stop gatekeeping art spaces especially organisations meant for people with identities we don’t share. this organisation cannot continue at the expense of Chinese artists.

Raluca Iancu (Sheffield, 2021-05-19)

#251

This quote just sent me over the edge:

'In May 2021, in an email to one of us, they cited their own ‘white fragility’ as the latest
reason behind their actions and explained that their current work centred, "how we
might interrupt our white fragility to build capacity to sustain cross-racial honesty", "but we just aren't there yet".'

Natalie Dunning (Manchester, 2021-05-19)

#264

Unfortunately, I and many others have heard complaints about this institution from artists and curators who have worked directly with this institution. These complains span over a number of years. Action like this therefore seems to be necessary to ask for the institution to act. I stand in solidarity with the actions outlined even though it is a sad outcome for all.

Seecum Cheung (Coventry, 2021-05-19)

#268

In the 1990s I worked for the arts council of Wales on improving diversity and inclusion in the arts throughout Wales. I am saddened to see that nearly 30 years later my previous job is still necessary.

Dieneke Oostindier (Rotterdam, 2021-05-19)

#280

Because its 2021

Nora Silva (London, 2021-05-19)

#299

CFCCA should aid, listen, and support the research and work of the artists they hired.

Ren E (Amsterdam, 2021-05-19)

#311

I'm signing because CFCCA has failed.

Gabrielle de la Puente (Liverpool, 2021-05-19)

#313

I’ve experienced something of similar characteristics when working in a communications agency called Cowshed Communications in my city Cardiff. Complete tokenism and a racist senior management, who were desperate to get a non-white face in the company to stay on trend. Since I stepped foot in the door they have only have non-white people working for them on temporary contracts/intern contracts ONLY. Bearing in mind they have a high turnover of staff because, not one person they have hired had been non-white. So, I have elements of understanding and know this happens in SO many places in the UK. I condemn you for speaking out !!!

Temeka Davies (Cardiff, 2021-05-19)

#316

Manchester deserves real representation of Chinese art, rather than a fraudulent white-led dictation

Tom Gregory (Manchester, 2021-05-19)

#321

I have heard rumours for a long time about the workings of the CFCCA and their lack of real engagement with the Chinese community in Manchester. The experience of these artists appears to confirm the validity of these rumours. At the very least, Arts Council England should raise the risk rating of the CFCCA to the highest level and require the Board to try to reengage immediately with these artists without preconditions. ACE funding for British Chinese arts and artists has historically been low, and it is a travesty that an institutionally racist organisation should receive over £1 million on the basis of representing Chinese contemporary art.

Segun Lee-French (London, 2021-05-19)

#324

Change is needed not just in the art world but in everything!

Chantelle Croxford (Sheffield, 2021-05-20)

#337

It is absolutely appalling that an organization dedicated to Chinese art does not have any chinese staff in decision making roles. The excuse of not finding “good enough” Chinese candidates is a pathetic excuse. Totally disgusted.

Nicole Chui (London, 2021-05-20)

#339

I thought the CFCCA was better than this

James Medd (Manchester, 2021-05-20)

#347

These artists need to be treated with respect & dignity. I want to show my solidarity and totally support their call to action and fully agree with their demands.

Theresa Easton (Newcastle upon Tyne, 2021-05-20)

#353

I find this situation a disgrace and can not believe a board would allow this to happen. I’d like to know who the consultant is?

Paula Orrell (Bristol, 2021-05-20)

#356

Chinese artists I know started this petition. this seems a vital problem to address

Kim Coleman (London, 2021-05-20)

#360

I signed because I believe in equality and transparency!!!

Theresa Poulton (Whitley Bay, 2021-05-20)

#361

CFCCA needs to be called out for its institutional and structural racism. In the 21st century, to have a majority white staffed organisation 'representing' Chinese artists and arts in Britain is a huge step back and totally regressive and racist. Are we reliving colonial fantasies and power plays, is my question to those that have produced this shameful position at CFCCA? How can you not see how utterly unreconstructed and dangerous your position is?! Arts Council England - you need to conduct a major reality check on your funding position of CFCCA and address with haste this terrible and politically suspect situation. History will not look kindly on those who are complicit with this whitewashing. And we will not forget.

ANTHONY LAM (London, 2021-05-20)

#363

I’m tired of seeing organisations promote diversity and inclusion and then not be willing to be accountable for ongoing actions that damage the communities they say they serve.

Lisa Maltby (Sheffield, 2021-05-20)

#370

I am appalled by the lack of engagement the organisation has had with artists who have raised complaints. No organisation that represents POC should have a all white staff and have NPO funding

Ilona Sagar (London, 2021-05-20)

#373

The sector needs to listen to these artists' concerns and call for action.

Katy Barrett (London, 2021-05-20)

#375

I'm signing because I'm tired of people in power not holding themselves fully accountable. Bullying in a workplace is disgusting enough, but White leaders bullying Asian workers in a company that is for Contemporary Chinese Art is appalling.

Margie Houlston (Liverpool, 2021-05-20)

#384

This is completely unacceptable. Now is a time when organisations will be held accountable for their actions. Nothing will remain hidden.

Savinder Bual (Hitchin, 2021-05-20)

#387

This is a disgrace and completely backwards

Ellen Husband (Durham, 2021-05-20)

#397

I am against racism

Louis Kemp (Stockport, 2021-05-20)



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