Art is a Weapon
Revolutionary and Antifascist Posters from Spain 1936-39
April 15 to June 20, 2026
Gongfu Bao Restaurant, 365 Bank Street
Ottawa, ON, Unceded Algonquin Anishinaabeg Territory
Free entry
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
In 1930s Spain, artists, organizers, unions, and leftist political parties produced thousands of stunning posters promoting revolutionary social change and opposing fascism. Art is a Weapon: Revolutionary and Antifascist Posters from Spain 1936-39 presents reproductions of 25 striking that teach us the history of revolutionary Spain and the Spanish Civil War. But these posters are more than just artefacts of the past. They illuminate a history that extends into the present moment and to struggles we continue to fight today, from opposing fascism, fighting for gender liberation, defending children’s genuine health and well-being, and defending the dignity and well-being of working people to fighting for environmental sustainability, for public education and art, and supporting international solidarity.
The exhibition also includes reproductions of artefacts from the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, the Canadian contingent of the International Brigades that fought against fascism in Spain.
Curated by Claire Nicolson-Hurtig (@encrenoire.illustration, Posters for Palestine 2024 exhibition, Education for Liberation Collective)
Posters are reproduced from the collections of the Fundacion Pablo Iglesias (Madrid, Spain), the Robert D. Farber University Archives and Special Collections of Brandeis University (USA), and the Centre de Recursos per Aprenentatge i la Investigació at the University of Barcelona (Spain).
ABOUT THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR
In 1936, the Spanish Civil War began when fascists organized a coup to overthrow Spain’s democratically-elected leftist Popular Front government, composed of a coalition of anarchists, communists, socialists, workers’ organizations and social movements. From 1936-38, thousands of international volunteers, including at least 1500 Canadians, went to Spain to join the Popular Front in the fight against fascism. The Spanish Civil War was a prelude to World War II: Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy enthusiastically supported the coup. The fascists ultimately won, installing a dictatorship that would last until the late 1970s. Today, there is much we can learn from the Spanish struggle against fascism and for liberation for all.
WHEN TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION
Check out the exhibition anytime Gongfu Bao is open:
Wednesday to Saturday
11am-2pm and 4pm-10pm
- No purchase is necessary to visit the exhibition. If you don’t plan to eat at the restaurant, we encourage you to visit the exhibition at quieter periods so it is not crowded and you can have the best experience of the exhibition:
- Wed-Fri – 11am-noon, 1pm-2pm, 4pm-5pm & 9pm-10pm
- Sat – 4pm-5pm & 9pm-10pm
- Occasionally, the restaurant’s hours may change at the last minute due to unexpected issues that may arise. The day you plan to visit, you may wish to check their social media page @gongfubao to see if they may have announced any changes to their hours.
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
- HEPA filter rated for volume of space
- HVAC System
- Stopgap ramp at entrance
- Wheelchair access throughout the space – floor is level. The main aisle through the restaurant is 3 feet wide but narrows to 2 feet 10 inches wide in one part.
- Washrooms are partially accessible and have handrails; doors are not wide enough for wheelchair entry.
Questions and more info: EducationForLiberation@protonmail.com
Instagram: @education.for.liberation
