Free Our Art's Bipartisan Effort Protects Artists Like Christopher Griffin from Censorship
Published on 4.18.25
The intersection of art and law has become a contentious issue in recent times, with several high-profile cases highlighting the tension between artistic freedom and censorship. In this context, Free Our Art is working to pass bipartisan legislation that limits the use of creative expression against artists in courtrooms.
One such case involved artist Christopher Griffin, who was forced to quit his unpaid residency at the University of Prince Edward Island after administrators requested he remove a painting that offended some faculty members. The painting, "The Crossing," depicted lemmings surrounding an American flag and was inspired by George Washington's iconic crossing of the Delaware River during the American Revolution.
Free Our Art provides resources and funding for defendants in relevant cases, including legal assistance and research initiatives. This effort aims to safeguard artistic freedom and prevent censorship, allowing artists to create without fear of retribution or lawsuits. By supporting artists' rights and promoting artistic freedom, these efforts aim to strike a balance between creative expression and the need to protect individuals from offense or harm caused by art.
Lobbyists in Georgia are also advocating for similar legislation, working alongside Free Our Art to pass laws that protect artists from being sued over their work.