Chicago alders demand removal of controversial artwork at cultural center
CHICAGO - A controversial art installation at the Chicago Cultural Center is at the center of a heated debate between city officials and community members.
The piece, part of a larger exhibit on protest puppetry, critiques U.S. funding for Israel in the war in Gaza. Critics, including 27 alderpeople, have called for its removal, citing concerns over anti-Semitism, while others argue it is protected free speech.
What we know:
The installation, which includes depictions of Uncle Sam and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, previously titled "The U.S.-Israel War Machine," has drawn backlash from city officials.
In a letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson, 27 alderpeople, including 34th Ward Alderman Bill Conway, described the piece as promoting hate.
"This is not the type of thing we at the government should promote," Conway said. "It perpetuates a stereotype we should not be perpetuating."
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) defended the exhibit in a statement, emphasizing the importance of artistic freedom and dialogue. A disclaimer at the exhibit warns visitors about potentially sensitive content.
What they're saying:
Not all city leaders agree with the call for removal. 25th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho Lopez criticized the backlash, emphasizing the importance of First Amendment rights.
"I’m not for censoring art," Sigcho Lopez said. "I think that should be left for those who attend the exhibit."
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also weighed in, stating, "If members of the City Council do not like the installation, they should feel free to criticize it or commission their own art piece. They should not use their office to try to block the speech of someone else."
What's next:
Despite the criticism, DCASE indicated that the exhibit would remain on display.
Mayor Johnson has not directly addressed the controversy, declining questions during a separate event at the Cultural Center.
The full letter from the alders can be found below:
Mayor Brandon Johnson,
We, the undersigned members of the Chicago City Council, write to express our deep concern and condemnation of the artwork titled US-Israel War Machine, currently displayed at the Chicago Cultural Center. The piece is extremely offensive to the United States and to Israel and crosses into unprotected hate speech. Such representations normalize anti-American sentiment and promote hatred and bigotry against the Jewish community.
We appreciate that Commissioner Hedspeth took down the sign, added a warning, and removed the death count total, but the puppets are still offensive. We call for the immediate removal of the piece from the exhibit and request Commissioner Hedspeth's attendance at a hearing before the City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation to explain how this artwork was approved and to outline steps that will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As public officials, we respect freedom of speech and artistic expression, but not when it crosses into the obscene and promotes hate. The Chicago Cultural Center is a public space funded by taxpayer dollars, and displays there should reflect the values of our diverse and vibrant city. Artwork that is this divisive should not use public funds without a clear, transparent vetting process.
We look forward to your prompt response and to working together to uphold the values that make Chicago a city that embraces and celebrates diversity while rejecting hate in all its forms.
The letter was signed by the following alderpersons: Ald Silverstein, Ward 50, Ald Sposato, Ward 38, Ald Hopkins, Ward 2,Ald Dowell, Ward 3, Ald Harris, Ward 8, Ald Beale, Ward 9, Ald Chico, Ward 10, Ald Lee, Ward 11, Ald Quinn, Ward 13, Ald Lopez, Ward 15, Ald Coleman, Ward 16, Ald Curtis, Ward 18, Ald O’Shea, Ward 19, Ald Mosley, Ward 21, Ald Tabares, Ward 23, Ald Scott, Ward 24, Ald Cardona, Ward 31, Ald Waguespack, Ward 32, Ald Conway, Ward 34, Ald Villegas, Ward 36, Ald Mitts, Ward 37, Ald Nugent, Ward 39, Ald Napolitano, Ward 41, Ald Reilly, Ward 42, Ald Knudsen, Ward 43, Ald Lawson, Ward 44 and Ald Gardiner, Ward 45.