Free Speech Controversy Erupts as Town of Vail Cancels Artist Residency Over Gaza-Themed Artwork
Vail, Colorado – The small mountain town of Vail is at the center of a legal battle involving free speech rights after its decision to cancel an artist residency program last summer. The cancellation came after objections to a social media post by Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta artist and muralist Danielle SeeWalker, who was slated to become the town’s 2024 artist in residence. SeeWalker, represented by the ACLU, initiated a lawsuit against the town in October. The lawsuit claims that Vail’s decision to withdraw her residency following her Instagram post, which expressed solidarity with Gaza, infringes on … Read more