Artists, religious leaders, activists, educators, and community members join together to protest the postponement and possible cancellation of the Islamic art exhibit: Treasure Ornament: Ten Centuries of Islamic Art, which was scheduled to debut on November 4, 2023, at The Frick Pittsburgh. Postponing this exhibit demonstrates islamophobia towards the art and heritage of more than two billion Muslims worldwide, millions of whom live in the USA and thousands who call Pittsburgh home. 
 
Furthermore, we are gravely disappointed that an exhibit of Islamic art was canceled when the bare minimum of human decency and respect for others is sorely needed. Canceling this exhibit ascribes an unfair and disturbing radicalization to an art form that has contributed to the global palette since the 7th century. Rather than bringing people together through art and culture, the Frick Pittsburgh has increased the tension within our communities.
 
The October 29, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article reported that the exhibit was postponed “given the recent observation of the 5th anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting.”  It is unjust to associate Islam and Muslims with the murder of Tree of Life worshippers at the hands of a white supremacist. The Islamic Center of Pittsburgh was among the first to stand in solidarity and aid the Pittsburgh Jewish community in their time of need. 
 
Therefore, we request that Frick Pittsburgh: 

• Restores the exhibit with an opening of November 4, 2023, as planned or as soon thereafter.

By restoring the Islamic art exhibit, we believe that Frick Pittsburgh will live up to its stated vision of creating experiences that will contribute to the cultural fabric of our region. LET THE FRICK KNOW YOU DON’T STAND FOR THEIR ISLAMOPHOBIC ACTION!