Silencing in the Arts 🤫

Already signed an NDA?

NDAs often require you to keep the details of the agreement and the circumstances surrounding it confidential, typically indefinitely. Even less restrictive NDAs may limit how much of your story you can share and with whom, especially if a settlement has been reached. If the NDA doesn’t mention an expiration date, it means it lasts forever.

If you've signed an NDA and regret it, remember that many NDAs are not enforceable and rely on the fear of retaliation. The other party is unlikely to sue you, as it could bring unwanted publicity, though this isn’t guaranteed.


Key items to consider if you have already signed an nda:



  • Ask for a release
    If you want to be released from an NDA you have signed, you can formally request a release and amendment to the terms of settlement. A draft template can be found here.

  • Tell your lawyer and/or union representative that you are dissatisfied with the NDA
    Help avoid future NDA compromises by communicating how much you resent signing your NDA and/or how much suffering it has caused you.

    Learn more
    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, professional misconduct, and censorship that are perpetuated as a result.
    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.

    Take the Survey Now!  
    A Project by Aisle 4

    Funded by the Canada Council for the Arts Sector Innovation & Development Program

    "Shhh" drawings by anonymous artists
    Website Design & Development by Studio Whyte-Gray, 2025.