NDAs in the Art World: The Gag Order Problem and More from Art Forecast
In a recent update, Tatum Dooley highlights the increasing prevalence of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) within the art sector, particularly noting Wanda Nanibush, who became the first curator of Indigenous art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and departed in 2023 under a confidentiality clause. The Indigenous Curatorial Collective Association (ICCA) launched a campaign titled 'Let Wanda Speak,' calling on the AGO to lift her NDA restrictions. In January 2024, the AGO maintained its stance on confidentiality. A study by Silencing in the Arts found that more than 66% of 45 respondents had signed NDAs, with 22% exiting the field. Additionally, Dooley revealed her new monthly column in Toronto Life and her position as VIP Program Advisor for Art Toronto.
Key facts
- Wanda Nanibush left the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2023, reportedly signing a confidentiality agreement.
- The Indigenous Curatorial Collective Association (ICCA) launched a 'Let Wanda Speak' campaign.
- The AGO responded on January 30, 2024, citing a mutual agreement and commitment to confidentiality.
- ICCA responded on June 4, 2024, emphasizing the power imbalance in the relationship.
- Silencing in the Arts found that 66% of 45 survey participants had signed an NDA, with 51% not given adequate time to consider.
- 22% of survey participants left the art sector after signing an NDA.
- Can't Buy My Silence, co-founded by Zelda Perkins and Julie Macfarlane, believes NDAs are increasingly used to conceal employer wrongdoing.
- Tatum Dooley has a new monthly column in Toronto Life about art exhibitions.
- Dooley is the VIP Program Advisor for Art Toronto 2024.
- Art Forecast is a newsletter and company offering PR, brand strategy, and consulting.
Entities
Artists
- Wanda Nanibush
- Harrison Wayne
- Sergio Suarez
- Tatum Dooley
- Keiran Brennan Hinton
- Stanley Kubrick
- Marian Engel
- Zelda Perkins
- Julie Macfarlane
Institutions
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Indigenous Curatorial Collective Association
- Silencing in the Arts
- Can't Buy My Silence
- Art Toronto
- Toronto Life
- Hunt Gallery
- Hawkins Headquarters
- Art Forecast
- Artforum
- Architectural Digest
- Garage Magazine
- The Globe & Mail
- The Walrus
- Lapham's Quarterly
- The Toronto Star
- Vogue
- Lighthouse Works
Locations
- Toronto
- Canada
- Atlanta
- United States
- Israel
- Hamas