After a social media backlash, the Winnipeg Art Gallery has relaunched the theme of their Art & Soul event as “Hot and Cold.”
Originally called “Big in Japan,” the fundraiser’s original theme received mixed reactions from the public.
“Through social media and emails, several people have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Big in Japan theme,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, the WAG’s director and CEO. “It became clear over the course of the last few days that the event itself was being overshadowed by the issues at hand. However, when the community speaks up, we listen.”
The 25th annual event celebrates creativity and imagination through the creation of innovative décor and costumes inspired by the theme.
“The WAG would never want to reduce any culture to stereotypes and we thank those who contacted us directly with their concerns, and we are sorry for any offense that was caused.”
Art & Soul is Saturday, February 22. Visit WAG.ca for more information.
