Friday, March 29, 2024

Artists remove ‘ACAB’ from Bastion Square mural under direction from City

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Following an order from Victoria council to remove a portion of a mural in Bastion Square that contained the letters ‘ACAB,’ artists involved in the creation of the piece worked to replace the artwork on Wednesday and Thursday.

The mural has been a source of controversy since it was found to contain the acronym, widely understood to stand for “All Cops Are Bastard/Bad.”

VicPD Chief Del Manak was vocal in his calls to remove the message, which he described as “deeply disrespectful.”

On Wednesday, activist and community organizer Charity Williams wrote on Instagram that there were many discussions between the artists and city staff and those talks would be continuing.

“This is in no way a concession, rather a way forward,” Williams wrote. “We have a ways to go, but I’m proud of being a part of the conversation.”

She added that the artists would be adding a new message to replace the old one, beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

City manager Jocelyn Jenkyns said in an emailed statement to Victoria Buzz that the mural would be changing but would “remain an honest representation of the artists’ experience.”

“The 17 BIPOC artists who created the More Justice, More Peace mural have sparked an important conversation about systemic racism and discrimination in our city and in our country,” Jenkyns said.

“We now move forward and I know that the important message of this mural will continue to inspire conversations.”

A spokesperson for the city added that the artists’ new design to replace the ‘ACAB’ portion was approved by city staff, and was expected to be completed Thursday afternoon.

The new design will include a message that reads:

“This letter has been censored by the City of Victoria influenced by the Victoria Police Department. In doing so, Victoria is contributing to the silencing of Black and Indigenous voices and experiences across this land.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

More Justice, More Peace. That’s what we are striving for, that is what we are in desperate need of. Today, the artist collective have come to an arrangement to alter this mural. This is in no way a concession, rather a way forward. A commitment to hold those in power accountable. Because even in this process, there were lessons learned. Even in trying to attain Justice we were met with injustice. Every battle tells a story, holds a message and there is a deep one here. I challenge you all to find that message. What does More Justice More Peace mean to you? There were many discussion with city staff during the last few months, and they will continue. We have a ways to go, but I’m proud of being apart of the conversation. I will always stand up for what I believe, no matter what. I want to believe in this city, but first we need to take a real look at who we are and how we choose to show up for one another. Today at 4pm we will be at Bastion Square adding a new message to the mural. Come support, and listen. I’d like to thank once again @kaiyajacob & @kc.bdb for sparking such an important conversation in Victoria, and all the artists for allowing this city to hear and see your story! You all have brought us closer to addressing the racism in Victoria ✊🏾 Id also like to thank @qwalqaxala for being such a grounding force in this journey and my life, you are so appreciated. Thank you for leading with dignity and strength. 📸 @colinsmithtakespics #MJMP

A post shared by Charity Williams, OLY (@charitywilliamss) on

Tim Ford
Tim Ford
Digital staff writer with Victoria Buzz

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