Officials in Clarington are decrying an instance of racist vandalism at Bowmanville’s Visual Arts Centre.

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington reported Thursday that someone had defaced the building with anti-Black hate messaging.

“We are deeply saddened and angered by this incident, which directly opposes everything we believe in as a community arts organization,” they wrote.

“The investigation is ongoing, and all potential motives, including the possibility of a racial element, are being thoroughly examined,” they noted Thursday. “The Durham Regional Police Service does not tolerate any form of hate speech or hate motivated crimes in our community. We believe that safety, dignity, and respect are fundamental rights for all, and we remain firmly committed to protecting those values.”

Mayor Adrian Foster described the incident as ‘unacceptable’:

“As Mayor of Clarington, I am both frustrated and angry to learn of the defacement of a cherished public facility with racist graffiti. This act is completely unacceptable and does not represent the beliefs and values of our community. Let me be clear: hate has no place in Clarington.

“The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington, housed in a stunning heritage building, is a creative cornerstone of our community. To see it vandalized in such a hateful manner was deeply disheartening. I want to sincerely thank the staff who quickly removed the offensive graffiti, demonstrating their commitment to our values.

“On behalf of Clarington Council, I want to stress that our Municipality stands firm in its commitment to creating an inclusive community for all. We will not ignore or indulge the actions that seek to divide us. We will work tirelessly to make sure Clarington remains a place where everyone can feel welcomed and supported.”

“Imagine choosing to express yourself with graffiti,” added Councillor Lloyd Rang, liaison with the Clarington Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. “Now, imagine that the thought you choose to express is hateful. You can’t, because the vast majority of us know how lazy and vile you have to be to do such a thing. We in Clarington condemn this and all anti-Black racism.”

Photo credited to the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington