As an artist, I decided that I must raise my single voice in protest. Recently, the Smithsonian caved in to political pressure to censor an exhibit.
I understand that the arts are always vulnerable, and government funded arts institutions are particularly vulnerable. All the more reason for citizens in a free society to PROTECT their independence.
There is no slippery slope in censorship. Freedom of Expression and Art stand side by side at the edge of a very, very high cliff. Censorship PUSHES Freedom and Art off the edge and they both die at the bottom of the fall.
The Smithsonian leadership did a cowardly thing. It is reprehensible, almost criminal, to bend to political pressure to censor the arts. If the leadership did not have the courage to resist, then they should resign their positions and seek safer work elsewhere. Arts organizations such as the Smithsonian have a sacred duty to protect freedom.
Let's be vigilant to protect our public institutions and their right to make artistic/curatorial decisions without regards to political backlash.
To see more about the background details of this story, here's a link:
The Art and the Censorship action --news story
