Letter to the community, June 6, 2025: 

Dear BIMA Community, Family, and Friends,

Last week, I made the painstaking but ultimately hurtful decision to cancel a rental production of “One Family in Gaza” in BIMA’s auditorium. That decision has created a deep rift in our community and serves as a sobering challenge to us as an organization that works to exist of, by, and for community.

The Board of Directors and leadership team join me in a unanimous acknowledgement of the damage that can be done when the care with which the values we are entrusted to nurture falls short, however unintentionally. For this, I offer a deep and unreserved apology.

For 12 years, BIMA has served as a space where voices and stories, especially those that are complex or difficult, are amplified through the work, diversity, and breadth of artists. In canceling the production with so little time for the play presenters to respond, BIMA fell short of our goals as an organization and of our agreements with cultural partners, fracturing the trust that we have worked so hard to earn.  While my intention in that moment was to prevent potential harm, I recognize that the decision had an immediate and deeply adverse effect on KPSC and every member of the community. This experience presents a humbling opportunity for us to revisit our responsibilities – from basic policies and communication to the very values upon which the museum was built.

We have reached out to Kitsap Palestine Solidarity Coalition, who have already been thoughtful and generous in their dialogue with us, to begin a process of deep listening and healing through facilitated discussion. The grace with which they, and so many others, have chosen to navigate this is deeply appreciated. The responses from across the Island and beyond have been received, and each letter will be considered with respect in our decision-making as we move forward, paying special attention to suggestions that better advance mutual understanding and increase our cultural sensitivity.

BIMA will be reviewing our policies and processes, and we hope to better uphold our values and commitments so that the heartbreaking and divisive impact of this instance is never repeated. BIMA accepts the responsibility to learn from this moment of deficiency and disappointment, to rise to the high bar we have always attempted to set, and to repair trust where broken, one relationship at a time.

Thank you to all those who have held us accountable and challenged us to be the museum that truly works in service of our whole community. We are committed to restoration, redemption, and healing, standing shoulder to shoulder with the artists who give life to our mission and with each of you

In solemnity,

Sheila Hughes, Executive Director

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art Board of Directors

Original cancelation statement, May 28, 2025:

Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) has made the decision to cancel the rental event, One Family In Gaza, after careful consideration and dialogue. As a community-centered institution, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes inclusivity, understanding, and thoughtful engagement for all. 

Given the highly complex and sensitive nature of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, and the divisiveness of the actions and conversation that have unfolded in our community and nation, we believe it is not appropriate for the museum to be seen as endorsing or aligning with one perspective over another. 

While a number of people have expressed their appreciation for BIMA housing this rental, an equal number of people have expressed that by continuing with this event, they no longer felt welcome or safe at BIMA. This is counter to our core intentions as an organization, and this division has led us to reflect deeply on our role and responsibilities as a cultural institution.

While this play presentation was never BIMA’s event, it has become apparent that the line between a BIMA event and a rental event isn’t always as clear as we’d like, and we will work to make changes inside the museum so that private event content is distinct from museum-sponsored presentations. In this case, the line has been blurred to an extent that the content and context of this particular event appear out of alignment with BIMA’s mission to serve and reflect our diverse community as a whole. 

We understand that there are many issues that divide us as individuals, as a community, and as a nation. During this particular time of polarization and passion, we continue to work to remain a safe space for open inquiry, respectful dialogue, connection and shared learning, while being mindful of the impacts on all members of our community. We respect the personal positions of all of our community members, understand that there may be some issues in which common ground is not easily achievable, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to find our role and responsibility as a museum in community dialogue.