damali ayo, 2003, from the book International Geographic published by SAW Gallery and YYZBOOKS. damali ayo is an American visual and performance artist and writer, author of “How to Rent a Negro” and “Obamistan! Land without Racism: Your Guide to the New America.”
Our hearts, like yours, are heavy.
As an arts organization dedicated to cultural production and expression from local and diverse communities, we are sickened by the ongoing disregard for Black lives and other marginalized communities. We strive to resist white supremacy through our diverse programming and collaborative operations, and take this moment to publicly articulate our continued commitment to unsettling white logics and colonial violence in all its forms. We continue to stand in solidarity with the movement for black lives. Let’s act together to create the community we want to live in. Please know that our hearts and (metaphorical for now) doors are open. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you want to collaborate somehow in the pursuit of equity. We do have BIPOC staff and Board but we are always recruiting Board and committee members, please get in touch with the Director if you want to apply. We have an open call for submissions with a September deadline, so please apply. We have a very specific framework for submissions, so take a look at the guidelines listed on our website. Lastly, the Director has made a monthly financial commitment to the Black Legal Action Centre (BLAC) on behalf of YYZ. Please consider donating as well if you are able.