<U of North Texas Cancels Exhibit With Anti-ICE Art — Art News
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U of North Texas Cancels Exhibit With Anti-ICE Art

The University of North Texas College of Visual Arts and Design canceled the exhibition 'Ni De Aquí Ni De Allá' by artist Victor Quiñonez just before its scheduled opening. The show, which includes works critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was removed after the university terminated its loan agreement with Boston University Art Galleries, offering no public explanation for the decision.

The cancellation raises significant concerns about academic freedom and censorship within public university art programs, particularly in Texas where faculty have cited censorship as a reason for leaving. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression exploring political and social issues, such as immigration and identity, and institutional risk aversion or political pressure.