An artist-run center in Ford City has taken down a public art project displayed on its building facade following a disagreement with the landlord. The art installation featured the message “Windsor had drag queens before you existed” on a text-based billboard, which the landlord deemed a lease violation, according to Artcite.
In response, Artcite expressed its disagreement with the landlord’s stance on its Facebook page. The center stated that the relocation of the billboard was essential to uphold the artistic independence and integrity of the Arts Council Windsor and Region’s New Voices Program.
The organization is actively seeking a new location in Ford City for the New Voices Billboard to allow participating artists to showcase their work as planned. Meanwhile, the current exhibition, “Windsor Had Drag Queens Before You Existed,” will continue to be displayed inside Artcite’s lobby until August 18.
CBC’s attempts to contact the building owner, Michael Difazio, have been unsuccessful thus far. The New Voices Billboard, a project by the arts council, aims to highlight the work of local artists from marginalized communities through textual content displayed on a white sign with interchangeable black letters.
Originally launched in 2021 and reintroduced in June with funding from the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, the installation aims to create a space for reflection, creativity, and dialogue in the community.
Artcite claims it informed the landlord of the project’s purpose and format in April, receiving permission to proceed. However, after the launch of the current exhibit, the landlord requested the removal of the text and specified that future wording changes would require prior approval.
Despite the absence of a requirement in the lease for landlord approval of artwork or text changes, Artcite decided to remove the billboard to avoid potential financial and legal implications. The artist behind the installation, Cole Fortier, declined an interview post-removal, emphasizing the importance of the project’s message.
The Ford City BIA expressed disappointment over the removal of the installation and is actively seeking a new home for the project to continue fostering a welcoming and inclusive neighborhood where diverse voices can be celebrated. Ford City business owner Rino Bortolin supports the dialogue sparked by the installation and advocates for artistic freedom on premises of arts organizations.