On April 10, the Norfolk Arts Center in Norfolk Nebraska held their 18th annual Juried Show. One of those pieces was removed days later at the request of a patron, despite being put on display with no issues regarding the subject matter from the community. This act is in clear contradiction to their Vision statement, where they claim a commitment to the community and all of its members.

Signatures received prior to Monday, the 12th of May were included in the following letter which was sent to the Norfolk Art Center's Board of Directors later that day:

Dear Ms. Ruden and Members of the Board,

We write to express our deep concern and disappointment regarding the removal of the photograph Here I Am from the recent juried exhibition at the Norfolk Arts Center. This decision constitutes an act of censorship that directly contradicts the Center’s mission to bring people and the arts together and its stated vision of inclusion.

As community members who believe in the power of the arts to reflect and uplift the full diversity of human experience, we are troubled that the image was removed at the request of a patron who found it objectionable. The photograph represents the kind of artistic expression that fosters empathy, reflection, and dialogue. Removing it based on its subject matter is an act of discrimination that silences perspectives and undermines the Norfolk Arts Center’s own commitment to ensuring access to cultural complexity for people of all identities and backgrounds.

Your Vision statement commits to a community in which everyone, regardless of their “age, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status” can find enrichment through the arts. The removal of this piece sent a signal that not all people are welcome to be seen or represented within your institution. That message is harmful and runs counter to the inclusive values of the Arts Center.

We request the Norfolk Arts Center take the following actions:

1. Reinstate Here I Am into the juried exhibit.
2. Issue a public statement no later than May 21, 2025, acknowledging the decision was an act of censorship inconsistent with your mission and vision and reaffirming your commitment to inclusion and bringing people and the arts together.
3. Develop and adopt a formal policy that protects the curatorial integrity of exhibits and ensures that no artwork is rejected from consideration or removed based on the subject matter depicted or the discomfort of individual persons.
4. Clarify the role of public support by recognizing that, as a nonprofit organization, the Center exists to serve the community as a whole. Community members who offer support with their time, money, and talent do so with the understanding that the arts should reflect a wide range of experiences, not only those that align with personal preferences.

When a patron finds a work of art uncomfortable or challenging, that discomfort is an opportunity to engage in the kind of reflection and conversation that art is meant to spark. The Center should encourage and lead those conversations, not avoid them.

We are long-time supporters, artists, educators, and residents who want the Norfolk Arts Center to thrive. We believe your leadership can make this right. Reinstating the artwork and publicly reaffirming your commitment to inclusive representation will help restore trust and may bring back community members who are eager to support the Arts Center through donations, volunteerism, and attendance.

We look forward to your response and confirmation of the above actions by May 21, 2025.