Andraste's Flaming Knickers!

This non-apology was not going to cut it.

On the 4th of June, myself and six other community members held a meeting with three members of the Norfolk Arts Center board and the executive director. In this meeting, questions were presented to the board to understand why exactly only this piece was taken down. They explained several people came to the director and expressed their distaste specifically surrounding the photograph. Amongst these complaints were requests made by large donors to have the image removed from the gallery. The director and board deemed it to be “inappropriate” as well as a “controversial topic” so they proceeded with the removal. When asked about what was deemed appropriate, the board explained that they would not exhibit pieces of art that depicts explicit images. In this category of explicit material, they also referenced artwork that depicts the KKK and violence against children. I repeat: they categorized depiction of homosexual affection between two consenting married men with images of WHITE SUPREMECISTS and VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN.

They also made claims that the artwork violated one of their policies. When asked which policy, they were unable cite an exact one and claimed that it was not in alignment with the standards that were set when the Art Center was first started in 1978. Concerns about children visiting the exhibit were raised but were quickly made obsolete when the board was reminded of the art work featuring nude women and gore that was allowed to remain hanging on the wall, directly next to where the “controversial” photograph hung.

The Norfolk Arts Center has gone out of their way to try and keep this whole situation quiet and to make it go away. I, personally, cannot allow this to happen. I share this story with you in hopes of making sure this does not get swept under the rug. This is clearly homophobic behavior and unacceptable. If you wish to support us, there is a link to our petition below. Thank you very much for allowing me this platform to share this injustice.

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY THREATS SENT TO THIS INSTITUTION OR ANYONE AFFILIATED WITH IT. We simply do not want this issue to go unheard.