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Arnolfini boss resigns after Palestine Film Festival cancellation backlash
Gary Topp, the executive director of the Arnolfini, has resigned following the art gallery becoming embroiled in multiple controversies.
The Arnolfini faced significant backlash after cancelling two Bristol Palestine Film Festival events in November 2023 which led to a boycott from more than 1000 artists.
They have since made repeated apologies for their actions in light of these events but following a recently updated statement, the Arnolfini was further criticised for spreading misinformation by the pro-Israel group UK Lawyers for Israel.
Topp became the Arnolfini’s executive director in 2019 and has been credited for leading the gallery out of significant financial struggles. Shows during his tenure included by artists including Paula Rego, Steven Gill and Gary Fabian Miller.
In a brief statement, Arnolfini board co-chair, Glen Maxwell-Heron, said: “On behalf of the board of trustees, I want to express our gratitude to Gary for his years of leadership and immense contribution to Arnolfini since 2019.
“We are grateful to the talented team at Arnolfini for their ongoing support and have the utmost confidence the organisation will continue to thrive.”
Main photo: Lawrence Bury
Read next:
- Gallery makes ‘difficult’ decision to cancel Palestine Film Festival events
- More than 1000 artists stop working with Arnolfini following Palestinian ‘censorship’
- Arnolfini ‘deeply regrets distress caused’ for cancelling Palestine events
- Arnolfini’s apology criticised for containing ‘dangerous untruths’
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