WEYBURN – The City of Weyburn will reopen the Weyburn Art Gallery and continue showing the “8 Rooms” art exhibit, after the gallery was closed due to a complaint.
There will be increased parental warnings and signage prominently displayed outside of the Weyburn Art Gallery.
Representatives of the Weyburn Arts Council spoke with city council behind closed doors, after the public part of the council meeting on Monday night, to question why the gallery was closed and to request that the exhibit be reopened.
“While I was disappointed with how this situation was handled at the outset, I am pleased that the City of Weyburn did not proceed with banning the ‘8 Rooms’ exhibition. It is reassuring that Weyburn will continue to be known for its thriving arts community and not for censorship,” said Tasha Hill, chair of the Weyburn Arts Council, on the announcement by the City to reopen the exhibit.
The appropriateness of exhibitions for younger viewers at the gallery will be under parental discretion.
“The City is committed to showcasing artistic expressions and growing the community’s understanding and appreciation of art,” said a statement from the City on Tuesday morning.
The following messages will be displayed when an art exhibition may not be suitable for all audiences.
The first warning states, “Discretion advised: While we believe in the importance of artistic expression, we understand that certain content may not be suitable for all audiences. We encourage visitors to exercise discretion and self-awareness when exploring the gallery.”
The second warning says, “Guidance for Parents/Guardians: Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult when visiting the Weyburn Art Gallery. Parents or guardians accompanying minors are advised to consider the appropriateness of the gallery’s mature themes and content for their children.”
The “8 Rooms” art exhibit will remain in the Weyburn Art Gallery until the exhibit ends on June 26.
The City of Weyburn is committed to ongoing enhancements of procedures and policies to ensure that our facilities remain inclusive and accessible to all members of the community.
