An artist-run center in Ford City has announced the removal of a public art project from its building exterior following a disagreement with the landlord. The installation featured the message “Windsor had drag queens before you existed” on a text-based billboard, with Artcite stating that the landlord claimed the message breached the lease agreement.
In a recent announcement on its Facebook page, Artcite expressed its disagreement with the landlord’s stance. They further explained in a separate post that moving the billboard was essential to safeguard the artistic independence and integrity of the Arts Council Windsor and Region’s New Voices Program.
The organization is actively seeking a new location in Ford City to house the New Voices Billboard, allowing participating artists to continue showcasing their work as intended. Meanwhile, the current exhibition, titled “Windsor Had Drag Queens Before You Existed,” will remain on display inside Artcite’s lobby until August 18.
Efforts to reach the building owner, Michael Difazio, by CBC have been unsuccessful despite multiple attempts through personal visits, phone calls, and emails.
The New Voices Billboard project, initiated by the arts council, aims to highlight the work of local artists from marginalized communities. Launched in 2021 and re-introduced in June with support from the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, the project features a large white sign with interchangeable black letters for artists to share textual content.
Artcite informed its landlord of the project’s purpose and format in April, providing a mock-up that received written permission to proceed. Although there were no objections to a mid-exhibit change in the sign’s wording during the initial launch on June 24, the landlord later insisted on the removal of the current text and pre-approval for future messages.
Despite the absence of specific lease clauses requiring landlord approval for artwork, exhibition texts, or wording changes, Artcite decided to remove the billboard to avoid potential financial and legal implications.
The artist behind the project, Cole Fortier (Epoxy the Drag Queen), declined further interviews following the decision, emphasizing the importance of the project’s message amid the controversy.
The Ford City BIA expressed disappointment over the removal of the installation and is actively seeking a new location for the project to continue. Emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and creativity in public spaces, they hope the New Voices Billboard can remain in the community.
Business owner Rino Bortolin of Ford City supports the project, believing that art should spark dialogue and be free to express diverse perspectives within the community.