Whitney Museum suspends Independent Study Program amid backlash
The Whitney Museum of American Art has announced that it will suspend its Independent Study Program (ISP) for the 2025–2026 school year. This decision comes after the performance No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom, featuring artists Fadl Fakhouri, Noel Maghathe, and Fargo Tbakhi, was canceled, which was supposed to happen on May 14. The museum pointed to policy violations, particularly after Tbakhi asked those who support Israel or the U.S. to exit the venue. Critics labeled this as censorship, leading to a protest on May 23. Sara Nadal-Melsió, the ISP's first associate director appointed in 2024, expressed her concerns about the museum's decision. Director Scott Rothkopf mentioned the necessity of reevaluating the ISP's focus but didn't comment on the performance issue. An open letter signed by over 300 artists criticized the museum's stance and political censorship.
Key facts
- Whitney Museum suspends ISP for 2025–2026 academic year
- Suspension follows cancellation of performance No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom by Fadl Fakhouri, Noel Maghathe, and Fargo Tbakhi
- Performance was originally scheduled for May 14
- Artists stated the event was 'founded in the struggle for Palestinian freedom'
- Museum claimed performance violated policy on harassment and discriminatory behavior
- Critics condemned cancellation as censorship; protest held on May 23
- Sara Nadal-Melsió, appointed ISP associate director in 2024, will not continue
- Nadal-Melsió described museum's actions as 'thoughtless violence'
- Museum director Scott Rothkopf cited search for new director and need for reflection
- Over 300 artists, scholars, and ISP alumni signed an open letter decrying political suppression
Entities
Artists
- Fadl Fakhouri
- Noel Maghathe
- Fargo Tbakhi
- Sara Nadal-Melsió
- Ron Clark
- Scott Rothkopf
- Roy Lichtenstein
Institutions
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Independent Study Program (ISP)
Locations
- New York City
- United States