What to Do If Your Work Is Censored.
Increasing numbers of artists in all media are coming under
pressure from various sources to alter their work or to
suppress it wholly or in part. Galleries, museums,
performance facilities, publishers, school administrations,
and civil authorities are also creating conditions that
range from disclaimers to access restrictions, and imposing
them in ways that constitute censorship or closely approach
it. Attacks on the arts most often emanate from the
theocratic right, but frequently come from the left as well,
and from groups and individuals across the political
spectrum. Censorship can occur when you least expect it.
If your art has been censored, or if you are being subjected
to intimidation in the form of threats, harassment,
bureaucratic pressure, or politically-motivated scrutiny
aimed at the development or exhibition of your work, do not
hesitate to seek assistance.
- Contact the National Campaign for Freedom of Expression
(202/393-ARTS or 206/340-9301). If you live in New England,
call the Boston Coalition for Freedom of Expression
(617/542-7416 or 617/497-7193). Both organizations offer
referrals, information, and moral support. The NCFE, headed
by David Mendoza, may be best known for spearheading the NEA
Four's successful suit for restitution of grants.
- Call your state chapter of the ACLU. The American Civil
Liberties Union is an invaluable source of legal advice and
representation for artists, especially since the ACLU Arts
Censorship Project was established in 1990 under the
leadership of Marjorie Heins. The Arts Censorship Project
can be reached directly at 212/944-9800x704.
- Report your situation to artsave, a project of People
for the American Way led by arts lobbyist Jill Bond.
artsave publishes a reliable annual survey of arts
censorship across the country, offers an anti-censorship
action kit, and offers some legal resources. Call 1-800-
743-6768.
- Contact the National Coalition Against Censorship at
212/807-NCAC. Under Executive Director Leanne Katz, the
NCAC can almost claim to be the moral conscience of the
anti-censorship movement. This resourceful organization
gives artists strong, informed support through a variety of
publications and projects such as its Working Group on
Women, Censorship, and "Pornography."
Never acquiesce to censorship.
If you do, you contribute to the silencing and
marginalization of artists everywhere, beginning with
yourself.