The backlash to the firing of Artforum’s editor-in-chief David Velasco continues to grow. Writers and artists, many of whom have contributed to either Artforum or other Penske Media Corporation-owned properties in the past, have signed an open letter boycotting the outlet.
The artists signing the open letter pledge their intention to "withdraw our future participation" in the "commercial activities" of Artforum International Magazine, ArtforumEDU, artforum.com, Art in America, ARTnews, AiA Guide and artnews.com.
According to the letter, withdrawing participation includes ending "paid and unpaid subscription, contribution of writing or granting of publication rights, contribution of images or granting of image rights, purchase of advertising, consulting engagements, social media engagement and the granting of on- or off-record interviews to employees or contractors of such entities."
In the days after Artforum magazine fired Velasco because of an October 19th open letter it published about the Israel-Hamas war, at least four other editors resigned. The move was made in large part because some advertisers and readers complained that the letter did not initially mention the attack by Hamas that killed more than 1,400 Israelis.
In a follow-up statement, publishers Danielle McConnell and Kate Koza did not comment on Velasco’s termination, but claimed the letter was "not consistent with Artforum’s editorial process."
