Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Matt Wolf

Dear Syracuse University Administrators,

I'm writing with concern about the recent cancellation of Astria Suparak's
programming at the Warehouse Gallery. I was made aware of this situation by
an email from Fereshteh Toosi and Emily Vey Duke. I'm a filmmaker and
writer in New York and I've followed Astria's programming and work for many
years with great admiration.

I'm not familiar with the intricacies of what lead to her dismissal. But
having worked with Astria in the past, I can imagine that she was
extraordinarily competent and rigorous in her position. I would be alarmed
and extremely concerned if she was dismissed because of challenging content
in her programming. The cultural and intellectual value of the work Astria
brings to Syracuse should not be underestimated.

It's a shame to see that future exhibitions, such as The Yes Men have been
canceled. It's a disservice to your student body, who would benefit
greatly from this material.

Thank you for earnestly reconsidering the cancellation of Astria's
programming and tenure at the Warehouse gallery. I imagine her
contributions to your University are vital.

Sincerely,

Matt Wolf

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BACKGROUND

Syracuse has lost one its greatest assets. Astria Suparak, Inaugural Director of The Warehouse Gallery of Syracuse University, was removed from her position as of Sept. 30th, 2007, despite widespread support from community members, students, faculty, and the international art community. This decision was made unilaterally by Jeffrey Hoone, Executive Director of the Coalition of Museum and Art Centers (CMAC).

At the time of Suparak's dismissal, Hoone also canceled her forthcoming exhibitions, including "Keep It Slick: Infiltrating Capitalism with The Yes Men," due to open in November 2007.