Boycott of Wayzgoose by presenters and attendees leads to cancellation of the event

Published September 9, 2025

Two weeks ago, I announced my withdrawal from Hamilton Wayzgoose 2025, citing the Hamilton Board’s mistreatment of Black artists and its pattern of unwelcoming, opaque decision-making. I was not alone. Artists across the program joined together in boycotting the event, calling for the resignation of the Board.

This collective action had impact. Today, the Hamilton Board announced the cancellation of Wayzgoose 2025, after all EIGHT keynote speakers withdrew in protest, more than half of the program presenters withdrew and many attendees canceled their registrations in solidarity.

This should have been a moment for reflection and accountability. Instead, the Board’s responses have been opaque, unapologetic, and dismissive of the harm caused to artists and the broader community. This lack of acknowledgment has only deepened the pain and distrust. To date, only one Board member has resigned.

Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum has a proud mission: “to preserve history for creative use today.” Its vision imagines a future that is inclusive, welcoming, community-minded, and transparent. Yet the current Board has betrayed those commitments through its actions, and its inaction.

The call from artists, community members, and allies remains clear: the current Board must step down. Hamilton deserves leadership rooted in equity, accountability, and care.

I am sharing this here to amplify that call, and to invite the wider arts, design, and printmaking communities to stand with us. Silence and inaction are not acceptable.

Hamilton has the potential to live fully into its mission—but only with new leadership willing to repair, rebuild trust, and act with integrity.

I hope they listen to our demand for change.

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and learn more at wearehamfam.info