Solidarity in Action

The unjust treatment of those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour is deeply embedded in the systems that uphold society and the status quo here in Grey and Bruce Counties, across the nation and beyond. On June 3, 2020 Durham Art Gallery publicly acknowledged our solidarity with and support of Black communities. The oppression of Black people must end.

Durham Art Gallery prioritizes contemporary art in its many forms, through exhibitions and programs that explore the complexity of the contemporary experience while also foregrounding reciprocity through workshops and integrated programming. As a regional, public art gallery we are dedicated to being an inclusive institution that facilitates community through gathering, sharing, and exchanging ideas. The Durham Art Gallery is committed to Anti-Racism, we practice this commitment through our organizational values: Appreciation, Gathering and Sharing, Inclusion, Inspiration, Reciprocity and Stewardship.

What does this mean in a municipality that hosts a population of which 93% of residents self-identify as white? It means that this charity, the Durham At Gallery, willingly accepts the responsibility of becoming a Brave Space, actively working towards anti-racism and anti-oppression.

Today we will share how the Durham Art Gallery is contributing to change within our organization and immediate community. We will:

Continue to foreground the work of and amplify the voices of IBPOC (Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour) creative practitioners, thinkers and community members
Stand up against racial violence, discrimination and racism by calling people in and providing (un)learning resources
Provide training for board members, docents, volunteers and employees in order to facilitate and navigate these conversations
Initiate a paid Advisory Council of IBPOC creative practitioners and community members to inform and advise Durham Art Gallery in the process of becoming a Brave Space for Grey/Bruce.

Though these changes are incremental, we are here for the long haul and are dedicated to the continual process of anti-racism. We call upon the Municipality of West Grey and the West Grey Public Library, Grey Highlands Public Library and Grey Roots Museum to do the same.

As you follow up with us along on our journey, keeping us accountable to these initial contributions, please join the Durham Art Gallery Team in personally donating to funds, charities and organizations that support the Black community, if you are able.

Financial Support for Black and Indigenous Communities

Support List

Black Organizations and Anti-Racist Groups in Canada

Covid-19 Global Emergency Relief Fund for High Risk Black Folks

Black Owned Businesses in the GTA

Funds, Organizations and Petitions

RAVEN Trust

Indigenous Peoples Solidarity Fund by CanadaHelps

Free Digital Resources

Local Historical Context

Northern Terminus, the goal of this annual Journal is to provide readers with information about the historical Black community of Grey County.

Settling In Place: An Interview with Andrea Fatona from the MacLaren Art Centre