Dear Massy Arts Community,
We pen this letter to anyone who has ever attended one of our literary events, read or showcased their artwork, admired the art on our walls, held a workshop, or joined us for a film screening. We’ve witnessed authors read for the first time and go on to publish their first book, seen friendships form and romance blossom, and felt the profound impact of the many gatherings we’ve held in our space.
In March of this year, as a Board of four Indigenous women, we came together in a unanimous decision to close the gallery due to a lack of operational funds and out of care for the well-being of our founder and director, Patricia Massy. Since 2019, Patricia has poured her heart and unpaid labour into this space, carrying the gallery on her shoulders. Massy Arts simply could not have survived the last 5 years without the thousands of hours of unpaid labour. This dedication has come at a tremendous cost to her personal life, her family, and her other entrepreneurial pursuits.
It has been abundantly clear for some time that maintaining the gallery was not financially viable. In March, we reconciled that Massy Arts did not have the means to continue into another calendar year, to secure the financial stability and longevity of the organization, and the fair compensation it would require to maintain the operations. We realize we are not the only arts organization who has been faced with these difficult decisions. It has been an honour to serve in a governance structure led by Indigenous women, and it is with that same honour that we made this final collective decision to close the Society.
Massy Arts Society has been a testament to the strength of Indigenous women, brought to life by a woman exercising her right to self-determination to create a space for art in the community. In a world where such expressions are rarely supported and often obstructed, the Society stands as a powerful example of what can flourish when we are given power and agency over our own creative pursuits. Massy Arts would not exist without every single employee who gave their time, creativity and brilliance, and it would not have evolved into the institution it was without all of them. We are endlessly grateful. What a privilege it has been to experience this journey and see something so meaningful grow. We worked with the union regarding the closing of Massy Arts, and also want to thank them for their cooperation and understanding.
We don’t view this as an ending but as part of a continuous journey—meaning is made in the process of creating and sharing, and it is the stories shared in our space that will continue to live on, echoing through the voices of authors and artists who have passed through our doors.
We understand the community may be grieving this closure, and we ask that you respect our decision. In stepping back, we create room for new dreams and new builders.
In the coming month, we invite you to join us in celebrating all that has been achieved. We welcome your words of support, love, and reflections on what this space has meant to you.
kinanâskomitin, hiy hiy, Maarsi, tlazocamati,
Massy Arts Society Board
**We vacate Massy Arts Gallery space as of December 31st, 2024**