I agree that Dial has a right to express its opinion about the exhibition
and try to seperate itself from it.  However, the company, I would
assume, is responding to the loud voice of opposition to the exhibition
not necessarily the opinions of the company's managemnt.  Company's are
giving money for exposure, good will, etc.  They want to be associated
with 'people-approved' exhibitions in order to help their image and sell
more products.  In other words they are profit motivated.  So, if a
strong voice is heard that approves and supports the exhibition, then
maybe the company will respond accordingly.  Besides, many of the people
who are expressing disapproval are not even the museum's current
audience.  As a supporter of the show and a visitor of the museum I want
Dial to know that I am dissappointed in their actions- because I am part
of the population that they are trying to reach with their support.

I hope I didn't babble too much.

Nicole Frost
Graduate Assistant/Student
Visual Arts Administration Program
New York University
[log in to unmask]

>
>
> I've been watching this discussion without complete knowledge of the
> exhibit and its contents so it's rather hard to contribute to the
> conversation, but I have some thoughts that will no doubt raise the ire of
> many. I do support the right of individuals to boycott a company's
> products because he/she disagrees with the company's actions. That's the
> good 'ol USA way.
>
> But in the same vein, does anyone else out think that the company has a
> right to express its opinion and convictions? They don't approve of the
> project that they are putting money into to support and I do think they
> have a right to pull their support if they disagree. (This is about a
> private company NOT public funding, which is another issue.)
>
> I know there are many ramifications to this situation...creating "safe",
> non-controversial exhibits, art shows, etc. What defines "unpalatable" and
> so forth. It's not a clear cut issue. But on a constitutional level, so to
> speak, I think the company has a right to disagree.
>
> I supppose part of our musuem professional challenge is to find the
> supporters for the projects we wish to launch.
>