January 29, 2011
Group wants Smithsonian chief's ouster over video
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
A liberal group is calling for Smithsonian Secretary Wayne Clough to step down, and the board of the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum is complaining that Clough bowed to political pressure in removing a video from an exhibit.
Clough became the target of a censorship debate after he removed a video depicting ants crawling on a crucifix from the National Portrait Gallery exhibit, "Hide/Seek," after a Catholic group complained.
Michael Keegan, president of People for the American Way, called Friday for Clough to be removed when the Smithsonian Board of Regents meets Monday.
The Hirshhorn Museum board also issued an open letter saying that bowing to pressure harms the Smithsonian's integrity.
The group Art Positive plans to protest at the Smithsonian on Monday.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
