A STATEMENT FROM THE UNDERSIGNED STAFF OF ARTFORUM

In the aftermath of the unexpected firing of our editor-in-chief, David Velasco, and the subsequent resignation of several colleagues, we, the undersigned staff of Artforum, share your shock, confusion, and anger. We understand that faith in our integrity needs to be restored, and trust rebuilt.

As we move forward, there are things we feel it is imperative to tell our community without further delay. We are deeply invested in continuing Artforum’s six-decade pursuit of innovative writing on art, culture, and politics. As discourse becomes increasingly polarized, the publication of carefully edited, historically informed, and factually accurate criticism that draws on a range of international perspectives remains our goal. 

We have no desire to shut down conversations around the October 19 open letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. We are committed to defending political expression, debate, editorial freedom, and independence. 

We have much work to do.

Alex Jovanovich
Alex Lesy
Ana Castella
Barry Schwabsky
Brian Green
Bryan Barcena
Chandra Glick
Costanza Mazzonis
Donasia Tillery
Elizabeth Schambelan
Emma Weinman
Gayatri Uppal
Jashin Friedrich
Jeff Gibson
Jessica Aimufua
Jessica Butler
Julia Ribeiro
Kate Fox
Keke Du
Kiara Alvarado
Lloyd Wise
Louise O’Kelly
Maegan Dolan
Melissa Mudry
Micaela Houtkin
Mika Lee
Ruishi Ge
Serena Warren
Shannon Timms
Sirui Zhang
Sophie Fox
Tica Tran
You Feng