US Galleries & Businesses to Shut Down Nationwide in Immigration Protest

A nationwide shutdown is planned for Friday, January 30th, as thousands of businesses and organizations across the United States will close in protest of actions taken by federal immigration enforcement agents. The demonstrations are specifically focused on incidents in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities.

A Broad Coalition Takes Action

The shutdown will involve hundreds of commercial and non-profit spaces. Participating entities range from prominent art galleries like Pace, Hauser & Wirth, and Regen Projects, to smaller venues and arts collectives across the country. Locations participating include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, and several cities in between.

The Art World’s Response

Lisa Carlson, a senior director at Jane Lombard Gallery, stated that it is “especially important for galleries, museums and cultural organisations to show up together and be visible about where they stand.” She emphasized the art world’s reliance on diversity, inclusivity, and the contributions of immigrant artists and audiences.

Did You Know? The shutdown follows a similar action in Minneapolis and St. Paul one week prior, prompted by the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti during operations involving US Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice).

Regen Projects, a Los Angeles gallery, announced its closure to honor the national day of action and to support the families of Renée Macklin Good, Alex Pretti, Keith Porter Jr., and all victims of violence perpetrated by Ice. Keith Porter Jr. was fatally shot by an off-duty Ice officer on December 31st.

Solidarity and Protest

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions expressed solidarity with the immigrant community, stating that Ice is “terrorising, assaulting and kidnapping our neighbours.” The organization is calling for a strike: “No work. No school. No shopping.”

Expert Insight: This coordinated shutdown demonstrates a willingness within the art community to leverage its visibility and influence to advocate for social and political change, reflecting a broader trend of cultural institutions taking public stances on contentious issues.

PPOW gallery in New York will provide space and materials for staff and artists to create protest art, drawing on past actions taken in 2010 and 2017. Wendy Olsoff, a co-founder of PPOW, stated that joining the shutdown was an “obvious decision” given the gallery’s program and commitment to solidarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted this nationwide shutdown?

The shutdown is a protest against the violent actions of federal immigration enforcement agents, specifically incidents in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other cities, including the deaths of Renée Good, Alex Pretti, and Keith Porter Jr.

Which types of organizations are participating?

A wide range of organizations are participating, including commercial art galleries, non-profit art spaces, and arts collectives across the United States.

What is the stated goal of the shutdown?

The stated goal is to show solidarity with immigrant communities and to protest the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice).

As Democrats in Congress consider legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, a potential government shutdown looms if a funding agreement is not reached by midnight on Friday. The US federal government recently ended its longest-ever shutdown—43 days—in November. Will this potential federal shutdown further amplify the calls for change voiced by those participating in Friday’s nationwide shutdown?