"A Town Meeting"
1999-11-05 until 0000-00-00
F.R.E.D.: Freedom Rules Every Democracy
New York, NY, USA United States of America

On Friday, learn about the many complex issues surrounding our Mayors attempt to censor the Brooklyn Museum of Arts Sensation exhibition, and voice your opinions. This episode has raised critical issues -- from the concern of offensive content presented in publicly funded institutions, and the largely un-discussed blatant attacks on cultural diversity and race, to concerns about museum fundraising ethics. Friday evening, November 5, 1999, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, The Great Hall, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 7 East 7th Street at 3rd Avenue, New York City

Lets not kid ourselves, this public relations nightmare for the arts is not just about the Brooklyn Museum -- the implications clearly extend to all cultural institutions, libraries, parks, public schools and universities. Just because the Mayor lost this first round of lawsuits, the issue isnt over. His legal team is likely to appeal and the Mayor will surely launch a more serious threat on our cultural institutions through budget cuts this January. And lets not forget, our Mayor has opened the floodgates for politicians all over this country to launch a similar attack on public institutions throughout the country.

Speakers include (list in formation):

Mary D. Dorman, Attorney at Law

Archibald L. Gillies, President, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts

Bobbie Handman, Executive Director and Sr. VP, People for the American Way

Martha Rosler, Artist

Brian Wallis, Dir. of Exhibitions/Chief Curator, International Center of Photography

AND OTHERS!

Moderated discussion will be followed by open microphone!

Confronted by increasing political interference with artists and audiences, a group of individuals from the arts community gathered together in October 1999 to form F.R.E.D. (Freedom Rules Every Democracy). Our focus transcends the confines of a single incident to address the broader implications of recent events which threaten the First Amendment right to free expression -- and to counter affronts to the First Amendment with creative action.

Related Links:

Indepth Arts Resources for the State of New York

Other Important Exhibitions in New York