Good approach from Joy, and might I add: Prepare for the worst but leave
the piece in. Always err on the side of the artist. Also, make sure that
all your graphics, texts, tours, etc. focus on the artwork and not so much
the personal life of the artist. Stick to that story.
I deal with this issue all the time; however, I work for an art place and
not a history place, and our community is prepared for a little controversy
with us. I go through in advance with the artist and see all the pieces
which are coming in: often I choose them, but sometimes I don't. If
something slips by me, my reaction is to leave the piece in but alert the
Executive Director, the Marketing Department and key board members that the
piece is there and we all meet to "get our story straight" on how we are to
deal with the complaints that ensue--a consistent approach is best. And you
know what...nine times out of ten NOTHING HAPPENS. It's the ones that you
think are OK that come around to bite you in butt. (like the time we
exhibited some class figure studies of a nude man...no parts showing so we
didn't think to prepare for controversy...however, the model had bushy white
hair and a beard and a mother came storming in because she didn't want her
daughter to see "a naked Santa Claus" and get all confused or upset. We
rarely get flak for actual nudes.)
Is it likely that anyone will take the time to read the fraktur and notice
that it's 2 male names? Possibly. Of those people that do, how many of
them will be so incensed that they will make a big deal of it? Half? A
quarter? The numbers are in your favor.
Buck up, Candace. You will get through this. Email me offlist for more
great controversy stories...won and lost.
Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E. 67th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
(317) 255-2464 x233
FAX (317) 254-0486
email <[log in to unmask]>
website <http://www.indplsartcenter.org>
-----Original Message-----
From: Joy Bailey [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 11:07 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Help...sticky situation
2. For hot potato exhibits -- (1) identify why you want to do this exhibit
and be prepared to defend it to the death -- remember Mapplethorpe in
Cincinnati. If you AND YOUR BOARD won't defend the artist from criticism
then don't do the show. It makes you look weak to open a show and then close
it due to criticism. (2) Identify what potential groups will be incensed
and invite their leaders to meet with the board, to tour the exhibit and to
hear from you about why you think this show is worthwhile. Set it up as an
exploration and not a challenge, threat. Maybe have an objective moderator--
in your case a highly respected religious or educational leader. (3) Promote
opportunities for these groups to express their fears and anger and seek to
find common ground. negotiate if necessary. (4) Warn the artist that there
may be some negotiating going on and certain pieces maybe pulled (of course
if that wrecks the theme of the show that will be another problem). (5) Make
decisions based on the meetings and what you are willing to undertake and
defend. (6) Always go back to your mission, is this relevant?
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