Left, Richard Armstrong Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation (Photo: David M. Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York, 2012), and, right, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Photograph by David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York)

Left, Richard Armstrong Director, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation (Photo: David M. Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York, 2012), and, right, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (Photograph by David Heald © The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, New York)

Today, the Guggenheim provided Hyperallergic with the following statement from Director Richard Armstrong in response to our request for comment on Saturday night’s protest action in the museum by G.U.L.F. (Gulf Ultra Luxury Faction):

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is engaged in ongoing, serious
discussions with our most senior colleagues in Abu Dhabi regarding the
issues of workers’ rights. As global citizens, we share the concerns
about human rights and fair labor practices and continue to be committed
to making progress on these issues. At the same time, it is important to
clarify that the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is not yet under construction.

Richard Armstrong, Director
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation

UPDATE: G.U.L.F. has since responded to Armstrong’s statement.

Hrag Vartanian is editor-in-chief and co-founder of Hyperallergic.

6 replies on “Guggenheim Responds to Saturday’s G.U.L.F. Protest Action”

  1. Since work has not yet started, does anyone know if the group tried to meet with the Gugg before staging a protest?

    1. Hi Carol, The strange thing, and something we’re trying to get to the bottom of is what the Guggenheim is considering the start of work. According to the museum authority back in 2011, “construction of the museum has started” and perhaps the NYC Gugg doesn’t realize all the land reclamation that is being done for their site though that seems unlikely. We’re trying to get answers.
      http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Guggenheim-Abu-Dhabi-on-hold/24880

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