Artists tell San Francisco Arts Commission YBCA censored displays and urge use of space for community arts

Dozens of artists addressed the San Francisco Arts Commission during the March 4 public-comment period, charging that the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) removed or silenced works tied to a recent protest and urging the Commission to support artist-centered alternatives such as SOMArts.

"We've been censored and further silenced," artist and educator Shalea Asghari said during public comment, urging the Commission to consider YBCA as a potential home for SOMArts programming. Paz Gee, another artist who described participating in an exhibition called "A Love Letter to Gaza," said, "we experienced censorship from the museum when we chose to speak on the genocide happening in Palestine." JD, representing the Malayan Movement, described the removal or relocation of a "banka" (a traditional boat) from an exhibit and said artists were not consulted about moving their work.

The speakers, a mix of exhibiting artists and community members, asked the Arts Commission to use its convening power to encourage YBCA to restore access and transparency and to explore partnerships that prioritize artists' control over programming. Michael Mercero and Justin Carter, both artists with ties to local exhibitions, said YBCAs recent decisions left them unable to trust the institution to represent community values.

Several commenters urged the Commission to consider whether continued funding or partnerships with institutions that limit artists' expression aligns with SFAC goals. Kate Rhodes, a painting professor who has worked with the Arts Commission, asked commissioners to "stand against genocide and for a free Palestine" and explained that artists had asked YBCA to sign onto the Palestinian academic and cultural boycott.

Vice President Chioda and staff declined to open a formal discussion on YBCA at the meeting, noting the topic was not listed on the agenda. Commissioners welcomed the testimony and said staff would research the issues raised, consistent with Brown Act rules about agenda items.

Next steps: Commissioners did not take formal action on YBCA during the meeting. Public commenters requested that the Arts Commission consider placing YBCA concerns on a future agenda or otherwise follow up with staff.