Candida Gertler, co-founder of the Outset Contemporary Art Fund, has recently resigned from her position on the organization’s board of trustees and from all voluntary roles within UK arts institutions. This resignation comes after an open letter signed by over 1,100 artists and art workers was sent to Tate leadership, urging the museum to divest from the Zabludowicz Art Trust, Zabludowicz Art Projects, and Outset Contemporary Art Fund.
The letter accuses the founders of these three organizations, including Gertler, of being connected to Israel’s “genocidal” policies in Gaza. It refers to findings from the International Court of Justice and the United Nations, which describe Israel’s military actions as consistent with genocide and apartheid. The letter claims that the Zabludowicz Art Trust and Outset Contemporary Art Fund engage in “artwashing,” using partnerships with museums and artists to conceal ethically questionable political connections.
Notable figures in the art world, such as Turner Prize nominee Jasleen Kaur and past winners Helen Cammock, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, and Charlotte Prodger, have signed the letter. In response, the Zabludowiczs referred to a 2023 statement where they expressed support for a two-state solution and expressed sadness over the war in Israel and Gaza.
This is not the first time the Gertler family has faced scrutiny. Earlier this year, pro-Palestine student activists from Goldsmiths University occupied the Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art, protesting the institution’s ties to Gertler and her husband, Zak. The activists claimed that the couple had close connections to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and had financially supported his political campaigns. Following the occupation, the Gertlers’ names were removed from the gallery and its donor board.
In her resignation statement, Gertler described her decision as a “principled protest” against antisemitism and the “normalization of hate” within art spaces. She invoked the persecution of Jewish people during Nazi Germany, framing her resignation as a tribute to that legacy and a critique of art institutions for not adequately combating prejudice. She expressed concern about the potential betrayal of marginalized communities and the artistic community by institutions that fail to uphold inclusivity and integrity.
While neither Outset nor the Zabludowiczs have commented on the letter or Gertler’s resignation, Outset UK’s trustees commended Gertler for her visionary approach to arts philanthropy and expressed sadness over her departure. The board reiterated Outset’s commitment to supporting contemporary art and fostering dialogue among artists, funders, and institutions.
Potential Future Trends
This recent controversy raises important questions about the role of art institutions, philanthropists, and political activism within the art world. It highlights the increasing pressure on museums and organizations to be transparent and accountable for their funding sources and partnerships. Several potential future trends can be identified from this situation:
- Increased scrutiny of funding sources: The call for museums to divest from certain organizations suggests a growing demand for transparency regarding funding sources. Artists and art workers are likely to continue questioning the connections between art institutions and their funders, pushing for stronger ethical guidelines and practices.
- Heightened awareness of political and social issues: The open letter’s focus on Israel’s actions in Gaza demonstrates the interconnectedness of art and politics. Artists, activists, and audiences are becoming more attentive to political and social issues, demanding that art institutions take a stance and address these concerns.
- Artwashing scrutiny: The term “artwashing” has gained attention as activists accuse institutions of engaging in partnerships that whitewash or distract from morally questionable connections. This controversy may lead to increased scrutiny of partnerships between art institutions and philanthropists, forcing them to align their activities more closely with their stated values.
- Importance of inclusivity and integrity: Gertler’s resignation statement emphasizes the need for institutions to uphold inclusivity and integrity. Moving forward, art institutions may face greater pressure to prioritize these values, ensuring fair representation, diversity, and comprehensive vetting of their partners.
Predictions for the Industry
Based on the analysis of these key points, the following predictions can be made regarding the future trends of the art industry:
- Increased focus on ethical funding: Art institutions will face heightened pressure to ensure that their funding sources align with their values and principles. They will need to conduct thorough due diligence on potential partners and consider the broader societal impact of their collaborations.
- Growth of socially and politically engaged art: Artists and art workers will continue to use their platforms to address social and political issues, pushing institutions to engage with these topics. This may lead to more exhibitions, events, and discussions that explore contentious subjects and challenge traditional notions of art’s role in society.
- Evolution of philanthropy in the arts: Philanthropists involved in the art world will likely face increasing scrutiny regarding their personal and political ties. They will need to consider public perception and the potential consequences of their associations, potentially leading to changes in their approaches to supporting the arts.
- Emphasis on inclusivity and diversity: Art institutions will prioritize creating an inclusive and diverse artistic community. This will involve ensuring representation from marginalized communities, addressing historical biases, and providing platforms for underrepresented voices.
Recommendations for the Industry
Considering these potential future trends, the following recommendations can be made for the art industry:
- Art institutions should develop comprehensive ethical guidelines that clearly define their standards for funding sources and partnerships. These guidelines should be publicly accessible and regularly reviewed and updated.
- Museums and galleries should proactively engage in conversations with artists and art workers about the social and political implications of their exhibitions and programs. By fostering dialogue, institutions can better respond to changing societal expectations and collaborate on meaningful artistic expressions.
- Philanthropists involved in the art world should be transparent about their personal and political connections. They should consider the potential impact of their affiliations on the institutions they support and be open to dialogue with artists and activists regarding any concerns.
- Art institutions should prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility. This involves actively seeking out artists from diverse backgrounds and ensuring their representation within exhibitions, collections, and decision-making processes. Institutions should also work to make their spaces and programs accessible to all, removing barriers that prevent marginalized communities from engaging with art.
Conclusion
The recent controversy surrounding Candida Gertler’s resignation highlights the need for art institutions, philanthropists, and artists to navigate the challenges of ethical funding and political activism within the art world. Moving forward, increased scrutiny, awareness of social and political issues, and a focus on inclusivity and integrity are predicted to shape the industry. By proactively implementing ethical guidelines, engaging with artists and activists, and prioritizing diversity, the art industry can evolve to better reflect the values and expectations of its communities.
References:
- The Art Newspaper – Candida Gertler resigns from Outset Contemporary Art Fund
- ARTnews – Prominent Artists Urge Tate to Cut Ties with Israeli Philanthropists
- Amnesty International – Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories 2020