Art gallery in Ontario town defaced with racist anti-Black graffiti

The mayor is “angry” and local police declared it “does not tolerate any form of hate speech” after a Bowmanville art gallery was defaced with anti-Black graffiti this week.

“I am both frustrated and angry to learn of the defacement of a cherished public facility with racist graffiti,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “This act is completely unacceptable and does not represent the beliefs and values of our community. Let me be clear: hate has no place in Clarington.”

Durham Police released a statement saying they were “aware” of the incident at the Visual Arts Centre on Simpson Avenue where the heritage building was defaced with “offensive language, especially to our Black community,” adding that the investigation is ongoing.

“All potential motives, including the possibility of a racial element, are being thoroughly examined. The Durham Regional Police Service does not tolerate any form of hate speech or hate-motivated crimes in our community. We believe that safety, dignity, and respect are fundamental rights for all, and we remain firmly committed to protecting those values.”

Foster called the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, a non-collecting contemporary public art gallery located east of downtown Bowmanville, a “creative cornerstone” of the community.

“To see it vandalized in such a hateful manner was deeply disheartening. I want to sincerely thank the staff who quickly removed the offensive graffiti, demonstrating their commitment to our values.”

The community had to deal with racist graffiti discovered at a bus stop in Bowmanville in November and Foster stressed that Clarington Council “stands firm” in its commitment to creating an inclusive community for all. “We will not ignore or indulge the actions that seek to divide us. We will work tirelessly to make sure Clarington remains a place where everyone can feel welcomed and supported.”

Councillor Lloyd Rang, council’s liaison for the Clarington Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, was also quick to express his disgust with the incident.

“Imagine choosing to express yourself with graffiti. Now, imagine that the thought you choose to express is hateful. You can’t, because the vast majority of us know how lazy and vile you have to be to do such a thing. We in Clarington condemn this and all anti- Black racism.”

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