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APPENDIX I: What To Do If It Happens To You
1. Get the Facts
• Identify precisely the work being challenged.
One piece? An entire exhibit? Certain lyrics to a song? A title? A theme?
• Identify the challengers. Organized group? Member
of the public? Public official? Arts council? Gallery board of directors?
University administration?
• Identify the reason for the challenge. Sexuality?
Nudity? Religion? Racial issues? Nationalism? Identity of the artist?
• Identify the location of the challenge. Public
gallery or theater? Private exhibition hall? Park? Your own home?
• Identify when all key events occurred and when
all key decisions were made. When was the complaint made? When was a
decision to cancel or remove the work made? When were/are funding decisions
finalized?
• Identify those involved in important decisions.
Who decides/decided whether to remove the artwork? Can anyone override
that decision?
• Identify avenues of appeal.
• Determine your desired resolution.
Create a fact sheet containing all this information.
2. Notify Involved Parties
Meet with staff and board to explain the situation.
3. Inform and Enlist the Support of
Key Allies
Contact local and national arts, anti-censorship, and advocacy
organizations.
4. Mobilize Community Support
• Identify allies within your community.
• Organize public discussion.
• Mount letter-writing campaigns.
• Hold public demonstrations.
5. Confront the Challengers
• Write letters defending your work and the principle
of freedom of expression.
• Attend public hearings and decision-making sessions.
6. Media Advocacy
• Develop a media strategy.
• Condense your issue into three points: the problem,
the solution, and the call to action.
• Create a media release: Provide the media with
a brief summary of the important events and deliver your message.
• Identify and contact members of the media.
• Be prepared to deal with the public: both the
general public and your audience and supporters.
• Respond to media coverage.
7. Consider Legal Options
Consult with an attorney if you think your legal rights
have been violated.
8. Devise a Creative Solution
Be creative in working out a resolution with which you are
happy.
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