Canadian Artist Cancels Boston Show Over 50% Tariff on Art
Michael Harrington, an artist from Ottawa, has decided to cancel his exhibition scheduled for November at Boston's Ellen Miller Gallery. This decision stems from a newly imposed 50% tariff on Canadian art entering the United States, which necessitates that the gallery pay duties prior to any sales, rendering the event financially unviable. Harrington became aware of the tariff's repercussions after a colleague experienced a $10,000 loss in a sale due to rising expenses. Following talks with his representative in Boston, they mutually agreed to halt the exhibition. CARFAC National has cautioned that such tariffs may result in more canceled exhibitions and fewer opportunities for artists. Harrington has reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office regarding his concerns and is considering the suspension of the HST on art.
Key facts
- Michael Harrington canceled his November exhibition at Ellen Miller Gallery in Boston.
- The cancellation is due to a 50% tariff on Canadian art entering the U.S.
- A colleague in Montreal lost a $10,000 painting sale to an Illinois buyer because the tariff would raise the cost to $15,000.
- The gallery would be responsible for paying the tariff when artworks cross the border.
- CARFAC National reports art is about 5% of Canada's annual exports to the U.S.
- Jenna Faye Powell, interim executive director of CARFAC, commented on the impact.
- Harrington contacted Prime Minister Mark Carney's office.
- Harrington is considering suspension of the HST on art.
- The tariff has already made an international exhibition unviable.
Entities
Artists
- Michael Harrington
Institutions
- Ellen Miller Gallery
- CARFAC National
Locations
- Boston
- United States
- Ottawa
- Canada
- Montreal
- Illinois
Sources
- Dasartes —