An artist-run center in Ford City has taken down a public art project from its building exterior following a disagreement with the property owner. The art installation featured the message “Windsor had drag queens before you existed” on a billboard, which the landlord claimed breached the lease agreement.
Artcite, the non-profit organization behind the project, expressed disagreement with the landlord’s stance in a recent Facebook post. They emphasized that relocating the billboard was necessary to uphold the artistic autonomy and integrity of the Arts Council Windsor and Region’s New Voices Program.
The organization is actively seeking a new location in Ford City for the New Voices Billboard to allow participating artists to showcase their work as intended. Meanwhile, the exhibition “Windsor Had Drag Queens Before You Existed” will continue inside Artcite’s lobby until August 18.
The New Voices Billboard is part of an arts council initiative aimed at showcasing the work of local artists from marginalized communities. Originally launched in 2021 and reestablished in June with support from the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, the billboard serves as a platform for artists to share textual content using interchangeable black letters on a white sign.
Despite having obtained initial approval and provided project details to the landlord, Artcite stated that the landlord raised objections after the launch of the current exhibit. The landlord insisted on prior approval for future content and alleged lease violations related to previous wording changes.
To avoid potential financial and legal implications, Artcite removed the billboard, highlighting that the lease agreement did not specifically require landlord approval for individual artworks or exhibition texts. The artist behind the billboard, Cole Fortier, declined interviews post-removal, emphasizing the importance of the project’s message amid public backlash.
The Ford City BIA expressed disappointment over the removal of the installation and is actively seeking a new location for the project. The organization aims to maintain a welcoming and inclusive community where diverse voices and perspectives can be celebrated through public artworks like the New Voices Billboard.
Local business owner Rino Bortolin defended the project, stating that controversial art should be allowed to spark dialogue and contribute to the artistic vibrancy of Ford City. Bortolin emphasized the importance of supporting artistic freedom within the community.