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in support of free expression
The information presented here by the National
Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) may be freely redistributed in its entirety,
provided that readers are informed that the information was obtained from
NCAC's World Wide Web site and that credit is given to the appropriate source
of whatever information is used. Permission is expressly granted for the information
obtained to be made available for file transfer from installations offering
unrestricted anonymous file transfer on the Internet. Information found here
may not be sold for profit or incorporated in commercial documents without
the written permission from the National Coalition Against Censorship.
©Copyright 2005 NCAC
WEB DESIGN
Jeanne Criscola Criscola Design
free speech first amendment censorship
Letter to Governor George H. Ryan
Dear Governor Ryan:
In a recent letter regarding the removal of Michele Tuohey's painting, "Butterfly," from an exhibition at the last Illinois State Fair, the National Coalition Against Censorship asked you to create a statement recognizing artistic freedom of expression and curatorial discretion in publicly supported exhibition spaces. Mr. Joe Hampton from the Department of Agriculture responded asserting, "The State of Illinois respects the integrity of an artist's personal vision and his or her right to freedom of expression." However, he also denied that "Butterfly" was taken down because of discomfort with its content and advanced yet one more in what is now a series of quite unconvincing reasons issued by the Department of Agriculture to members of the public and the press. Rather than continue what appears to be an unproductive discussion about whether the work was censored or not, we would like to build upon Mr. Hampton's assurance of respect for artistic vision and urge you to adopt a resolution based on it. As citizens of Illinois, we believe the adoption of a resolution recognizing artistic freedom would be an act in the interest of the public good. We are never going to all agree on art, politics, religion and many other topics. So instead of taking art down, let us learn from the differing points of view that it can stimulate. We would like to present the enclosed statement for the exhibition of art in government supported spaces and urge you to officially adopt it as a resolution. This action will show the people of Illinois and beyond that you respect and value art as enriching lives, encouraging discussion, learning and healthy argument. As a leader who is proficient at being the first to initiate projects and ideas, we can ask no less of you as our governor and hope that others around the country will take your lead.
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