An art exhibit at the Austin-Irving Branch of the Chicago Public Library (on Chicago northwest side) was abruptly removed on September 18th by order of the city's Library Commissioner following political complaints by two unnamed individuals who are city employees and are on city payroll. Without contacting the Branch Manager or the show’s curator / organizer, the exhibit was censored and ordered to be taken down early. The show was installed on July 5, 2025, and was scheduled through September 27, 2025.
“We Are Not Done Yet” featured 16 artists with various voices and views who reflected on our country post-election. It spoke to internal affairs, world affairs, fascism, cultural issues, and other areas impacted by the current administration.
For at least ten years, the Austin-Irving Library has embodied freedom of expression, as expressed in the Chicago Public Library’s 1936 policy of supporting intellectual freedom and the Library Commissioner’s “Book Sanctuary City” initiative. Regardless of historic and stated principle, this exhibition was censored and shut down.
Moreover, such censorship undermines the city’s ability to defend its residents against President Trump’s right-wing attacks and wider assaults on expression and democratic rights. This capitulation to Trump’s “little Eichmanns” is anathema to Chicago's proud history of resistance and artistic freedom.
The artists involved, the people of Chicago, and all supporters of free expression, must register our strong disagreement with Library Commissioner Chris Brown's decision. Chris Brown can be reached at commissioner@chipublib.org and 312-747-4090. To voice your concern to the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, dial 311 in Chicago, 312-744-5000 outside of the city.
For more information, contact: Sara Peak Convery, “We Are Not Done Yet” curator / organizer, at speakvideollc@gmail.com
Sara Peak Convery, Adam Turl, Courtney Nzeribe, Al Rose, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Kerri Mommer, David Detmer, Bill Kirby, Carma Lynn Park, Tim Chapman, Robert C. Buitron, Martine Stuckey, Jim Siergey, Rhona Taylor (on behalf of the late Keith Taylor), Julie Volkmann, Kathy Hirsh, Antonia Ruppert
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