Statement of Artistic Freedom in Government-Supported Spaces
The
government of Illinois recognizes that freedom in the creation and presentation
of works in the visual and performing arts, by ensuring greater opportunity
for the imaginative exploration and expression of diverse ideas and values,
best serves the public and the community.
If
works of art succeed in reflecting the rich, pluralistic fabric of ideas,
beliefs and experiences that mark American society, they will sometimes challenge
and perhaps even offend certain groups.
Publicly
funded institutions provide artistic performances and exhibits to encourage
artistic creativity, expression, learning, and appreciation.Public funding
does not mean that government endorses the views or attitudes expressed in
specific artistic works. Therefore it does not diminish (and indeed may heighten)
First Amendment protection of controversial speech.
Government
imposition on artistic expression of a test of propriety, ideology, or religion
is an act of censorship, which impermissibly denies the freedom of the artist
to explore, communicate and critique and the freedom of the public to see,
hear and discuss.
© 2007 Michele Tuohey. All rights reserved.
