The RMG is a place where we want everyone to feel like they belong. It is also a space for many to reflect, learn, engage in dialogue, and connect. During these complex global times, we believe art can play an important role in understanding our world and in healing. We have cultivated a culture of care that considers how we care for each other, artists, and our communities.
Recently, there have been a number of high-profile incidents of censorship of artists and arts workers in our sector worldwide with regards to Israel-Palestine, particularly Pro-Palestine perspectives. This has prompted us to make a statement so that past, current, and future partners and artists understand our stance. The RMG also wanted to share how we’re taking action internally to support our team who have been affected by the ongoing atrocities.
The RMG does not tolerate any form of discrimination, including anti-semitism and Islamophobia. One of our organizational values is Equity and Justice. We are dedicated to integrating anti-oppressive and anti-racist processes throughout all facets of our work. You can read more about our vision, mission, and values here and our Equity Public Statement and annual update here.
There is a protected freedom of expression in Canada. We recognize our team members, and others that the RMG works with, may be advocates for equity and social justice or be involved in activism outside of the RMG. We support the fundamental freedom of expression. Similarly, we do not condone hate speech or discrimination based on the identifiers in the Ontario Human Rights Code.
We support our team and understand that at times it can feel difficult to carry on business as usual. As such, we may pause our communications at times, we will continue to provide personal emergency leave days or necessary wellness breaks for staff, and we will align with partners who uphold our values.
