Galleries across the US have joined forces to shut down their doors and participate in a nationwide general strike against the expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) funding and operations. This unprecedented move comes as pressure mounts on the Biden administration to address deportations, disappearances, and killings of US civilians, which have led to alarming comparisons with atrocities committed by totalitarian regimes.
The strike is part of a broader movement by grassroots and labor organizations, including National Shutdown, which has organized similar actions in the past. The event is designed to demonstrate that even in the high-end art market, artists, curators, and collectors will no longer be silent on issues of social justice.
By suspending operations for one day, galleries are sending a clear message: they see what's happening and won't ignore it. This bold stance has earned praise from activists and organizations advocating for immigrant rights.
The strike takes place at the critical juncture when Congress is set to decide funding for ICE. The Department of Homeland Security budget, which covers ICE operations, remains unresolved, and another partial government shutdown looms on the horizon unless a deal is reached by January 31.
Artists like Patrick Martinez's "Migration Is Natural" serve as a poignant reminder that the art world has historically been slow to respond to human rights crises. Today, galleries are using their collective voice to say, "We see. We know."
The strike is part of a broader movement by grassroots and labor organizations, including National Shutdown, which has organized similar actions in the past. The event is designed to demonstrate that even in the high-end art market, artists, curators, and collectors will no longer be silent on issues of social justice.
By suspending operations for one day, galleries are sending a clear message: they see what's happening and won't ignore it. This bold stance has earned praise from activists and organizations advocating for immigrant rights.
The strike takes place at the critical juncture when Congress is set to decide funding for ICE. The Department of Homeland Security budget, which covers ICE operations, remains unresolved, and another partial government shutdown looms on the horizon unless a deal is reached by January 31.
Artists like Patrick Martinez's "Migration Is Natural" serve as a poignant reminder that the art world has historically been slow to respond to human rights crises. Today, galleries are using their collective voice to say, "We see. We know."
anyway i think its super cool that the art world is finally using their voice 2 speak out against human rights crises its about time! and can u imagine if all these ppl started showing up 2 ice detention centers & refusing 2 leave? it'd b a total game changer
I mean, who needs art when you've got activists making statements and the rest of us getting to enjoy some peace of mind? The fact that these galleries are taking a stand on an issue that's been swept under the rug for far too long is kinda impressive, even if it's about bloody late.
this feels like such a huge deal and i'm kinda worried about what's gonna happen next... it's crazy that these galleries are taking a stand for the people who are being hurt by all this, you know? it's not just about art or money, it's about human lives and rights. i hope congress gets the message and makes some changes soon 
. These galleries are not just talking about social justice, they're putting their money where their mouth is - or rather, closing their doors for a day 
. It's crazy to think that something as high-end as art can bring people together and make a point. I mean, we've seen protests in the streets before, but this is different. This is galleries, curators, collectors... basically, all the cool kids coming together to say, "Hey, we're not going to ignore what's happening with ICE." It's definitely sending a message to Congress and the Biden administration that they can't just sweep it under the rug anymore. Fingers crossed that this movement keeps growing and things start to change soon 
. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we may be in the high-end art world, but we won't ignore the struggles of the people" 
. I mean, it's about time someone spoke up for those who are being affected by these deportations and disappearances 
.
But seriously, it's a pretty serious issue. I'm glad to see artists and curators using their platform to raise awareness and show support for immigrant rights 
. We don't want another partial government shutdown 
. And who knows, maybe this strike will be the catalyst for change? Maybe galleries will continue to use their voices to speak out against social injustices 
.