Over 60 Art Professionals Protest UAE Visa Denials for Gulf Labor Activists
A letter of protest has been signed by more than 60 curators, critics, and institutional leaders, denouncing the UAE for barring entry to Gulf Labor Coalition members Ashok Sukumaran, Walid Raad, and NYU professor Andrew Ross. This letter, aimed at various UAE art organizations, including the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, argues that such actions set a dangerous precedent, undermining claims of artistic freedom and regional conversation. Gulf Labor, established by artists in 2010, advocates for improved working conditions for laborers on Saadiyat Island. This letter follows an earlier one from artists opposing the visa denials and highlights ongoing tensions around labor rights and artistic liberties. The Gulf Labor petition remains open for signatures, as reported by ArtReview in June 2015.
Key facts
- More than 60 international artworld figures signed a protest letter
- The letter addresses UAE art institutions and their affiliates
- It condemns the barring of Gulf Labor Coalition supporters Ashok Sukumaran, Walid Raad, and Andrew Ross from entering the UAE
- Affiliates include Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Art Dubai
- The letter states visa denials create a chilling precedent and hinder claims of artistic freedom
- Gulf Labor is an artist-initiated group active since 2010
- Gulf Labor advocates for better worker conditions at institutions on Saadiyat Island
- The protest follows an earlier letter from artists opposing the visa denials
Entities
Artists
- Ashok Sukumaran
- Walid Raad
- Andrew Ross
Institutions
- Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority
- The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- Art Dubai
- Gulf Labor Coalition
- ArtReview
Locations
- United Arab Emirates
- UAE
- Abu Dhabi
- New York
- Sharjah
- Saadiyat Island