Click here to download the letter sent by the Koffler to the Arts community, May 8, 2009 (PDF).
June 2009
Letter to the Community from Lori Starr
Over the past several weeks I have received a number of letters and calls from the arts community reacting to the Koffler Centre of the Arts’ decision to disassociate from Reena Katz and her project (see May 8 statement as PDF above). I believe that the feedback that we are receiving from a wide range of perspectives including those expressing concern about our decision, speaks to the valued role that the Koffler plays in our community and the personal investment in the gallery that that artists feel.
I believe that there is an opportunity here to engage the community in an honest discussion about how an arts organization stays true to its core values while remaining a centre of artistic excellence. In the coming weeks, I will be actively engaged in that process and value your contribution.
I would like to offer some clarification on a few points.
The Koffler Centre of the Arts' decision was not based on Ms. Katz's associations or even her personal beliefs. It was based on her ongoing efforts to undermine Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state. At the Koffler, Israel's wellbeing and existence as a Jewish state is a core value. No organization could be expected to partner with an individual who actively works against one of its core values. When one publicly calls for Zionism (the realization of Israel as a Jewish state) to be "condemned to the dustbin of history", one cannot legitimately claim that they are not seeking Israel's destruction as a Jewish state. Ms. Katz' involvement in Israel Apartheid Week is but one example of her efforts. I believe that it is also worth pointing out that Israel Apartheid Week and Ms. Katz have also publicly called for a boycott of Israeli artists and academics and have pursued local arts groups and Universities to ban Israeli artists and academics from Toronto institutions. Again, it is these efforts that not only run counter to our core values, but, I believe, seek to undermine those core values.
Criticism of Israel's policies - concern for the Palestinians - is as legitimate a voice in our community and at the Koffler, as any other. There are some very important and impactful organizations and individuals in our community and in Israel that make these points very strongly. But criticizing Israel's policies is very different from denying Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state.
I would also like to address the issue of censorship. The Koffler Centre of the Arts did not cancel the show or in any way prevent Ms. Katz from expressing herself as an artist or political activist. We simply said, as an organization which holds as a core value the wellbeing and existence of Israel as a Jewish state, we cannot partner with her. Just as an artist must be allowed freedom of expression, an organization must be able to be free to choose with whom it partners. The funding commitment to the project remained in place and the realization of the project was left in the hands of Ms. Katz and Ms. Simon. It is up to them whether or not the exhibition takes place.
I realize that this letter will not answer all of your questions or concerns, and in all likelihood will generate new ones. This is the nature of this complex issue, and I hope in the coming months we will be part of an ongoing dialogue.
Yours sincerely,
Lori Starr
Executive Director, Koffler Centre of the Arts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Toronto Star: Letter to the Editor by Lori Starr, May 16, 2009
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