Silencing in the Arts

An Online Resource for Artists & Arts Workers

Silencing in the Arts is a research project that traces the extent and impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on the Canadian visual arts sector. The project aims to shed light on the culture of silence that permeates the artworld, and the cycles of abuse and professional misconduct that are perpetuated as a result.

Developed by Toronto-based curatorial collective Aisle 4, the project stems from widespread, sectoral concerns of artists and arts workers signing NDAs without clear understanding of their rights; organizations quietly dissolving without public accountability; and the growing culture of censorship in our industry. Silencing in the Arts examines how these compounded issues impact the personal and professional wellbeing of cultural workers across Canada, as well as reinforce power imbalances, limit transparency, and hinder growth in the sector more broadly. Through research and advocacy, we aim to expose these challenges and push for meaningful change.

Know Your Rights

Launching on January 28, 2026, is the first phase of the project, which includes a free online resource for artists and arts workers to understand their rights when it comes to NDAs. The resource is intended to inform and empower those most impacted by institutional silencing. It explores the ways NDAs are issued; what to do when being asked to sign an NDA; what your options are if you have already signed an NDA; and what resources you can access for legal and mental health support.

Access the online resource

Share Your Story

The online resource is part of a broader research project tracing the impact and extent of NDAs in the Canadian arts sector. The first phase of this research also includes a national survey.

Have you signed, or been asked to sign, a legal agreement that prevents you from speaking about your experience working with a Canadian arts organization? Please consider contributing to vital research through this anonymous survey. Information collected will serve to inform arts institutions, funders, and policymakers about the serious harm caused by silencing in the arts sector, and advocate to abolish the misuse of NDAs.

Take the survey

About the Project

Silencing in the Arts is an ongoing research project initiated and led by curatorial collective Aisle 4. Learn more about the project and our collaborators here. For more information about Aisle 4 visit aisle4.ca. For inquiries about the project, please contact us via email or on Instagram.

Silencing in the Arts is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts Sector Innovation & Development Program.