We Belong Right here, the boutique music pageant model recognized for its scenic Florida and New York occasions, is going through criticism after allegations surfaced that it replicated an artist’s work, after which barred that artist from its newest pageant. Because it seems, the story is extra advanced than that.
The controversy erupted after social media posts accused We Belong Right here of copying an artist’s work.
In response, the pageant issued an Instagram statement addressing the issues about artwork installations at its current New York occasions. The assertion names PDA Woodworking, a vendor beforehand employed to construct kinetic windmills for WBH’s Miami editions in 2023 and 2024, in addition to an interactive puzzle for 2025.
Based on WBH, invoices for these initiatives had been paid in full, however no settlement was in place for the New York exhibits. The pageant claims that it wished to create new artwork and obtained many quotes, together with from PDA Woodworking. Nevertheless, the pageant opted to go in a special path attributable to employees complaints concerning the conduct of PDA Woodworking at earlier occasions.
What adopted, they allege, was a string of harassing messages from somebody at PDA — together with homophobic slurs and implied threats — which led to WBH barring all recognized PDA associates from the occasion out of an abundance of warning. One particular person was escorted out of the Brooklyn venue and refunded. The assertion emphasizes that “the protection of our employees and neighborhood will all the time be our prime precedence.”
“The brand new paintings created was unique by all authorized requirements.”
PDA Woodworking Responds
In response to the controversy, PDA Woodworking shared their side of the story via Instagram. The artist behind the installations described the expertise as a betrayal, stating:
“Then they rotated and fully copied not one, however two of my ideas… This was betrayal… it was unethical and it was calculated… by a company occasion attempting to revenue off one thing I constructed from scratch with my very own two palms.”
The Future
To their credit score, WBH has introduced steps to maneuver ahead: retiring the disputed buildings and launching a evaluate of how they work with artists. As festivals proceed to evolve and push the boundaries of visible and immersive experiences, clear communication, mutual respect, and well-defined agreements between organizers and artists are extra vital than ever.
We Belong Right here has dedicated to reviewing its inside processes and setting new pointers. How these steps unfold might assist form how related partnerships are managed throughout the trade shifting ahead. For now, the scenario has opened up a significant dialogue, one which extends past a single occasion and displays the rising want for transparency and belief between creatives and the manufacturers they assist convey to life.
Keep tuned with us for extra updates!
