TRUCK Contemporary Art Pauses Operations

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TRUCK Contemporary Art in Calgary is putting operations and programming on hold after the departure of both its co-directors and several board members. 

The co-directorship was introduced in an effort "to begin the work of decentering hierarchy" at the artist-run centre in response to inequitable histories and structures, including systemic racism, TRUCK said in its announcement. 

"Based on values of collaboration, transparency and equity, the co-directorship was meant to create a space where artists, staff, board and community members could thrive in a nurturing and supportive environment," it said.

"Ultimately, the dismantling of oppressive systems has not been adequately addressed."

During the pause in operations, asmaa al-issa will act as interim director. 

Talysha Bujold-Abu, one of the centre's co-directors, said "unresolved organizational histories impacted my ability to connect and thrive" at TRUCK. Despite her departure, she said she respects "TRUCK’s intentions of change and inclusivity, with clear hopes for a sustainable and welcoming future." 

Ginger Carlson, the other departing co-director, said she too is hopeful, but "deeply rooted inequities within the artist-run, non-profit model have long upheld systems that resist transformative change."

Source: TRUCK Contemporary Art