Resources for Artists Experiencing Harassment

The Boulder Arts Commission is aware that artists in our local community have been bullied and had their artwork defaced. We believe in and work to support the following tenants of a thriving arts environment:

• Protection of freedom of expression,
• Acknowledging a variety of perspectives from the community while still honoring our Statement on Cultural Equity, and
• That the fabric of expression that we all weave makes us a stronger and more vibrant community when it includes diversity of expression.

These tenets form the cornerstones of the City of Boulder’s Cultural Plan.

The Boulder Arts Commission stands with our artists from all backgrounds including, but not limited to, the LGBTQ+, immigrant, BIPOC, Indigenous, Latine, disability, unhoused, faith-based, and other communities. If you find yourself, your organization, or your art as the target of harassment, bullying, or threats, here are resources are to help you:

• If you are currently in a dangerous situation, call 911.
• Boulder Police Department: The Boulder Police Department has partnered with Out Boulder and the city’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison Program to take a stand against bias-motivated crimes and incidents of hate in our community. The police department works with LGBTQ+ liaisons and Out Boulder Staff to stay updated with community members who have concerns that are LGBTQ+ specific. They are also available as a resource for department and community members. Contact Deputy Chief Stephen Redfearn, the city’s LGBTQ+ police liaison for more information at RedfearnS@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-4312.
• City of Boulder LGBTQ+ Resources: The City of Boulder is committed to celebrating and ensuring the fair treatment of all community members, including our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) residents, workers and visitors. Learn about city practices, meet your city LGBTQ+ Liaison, links to county and state resources.
• Out Boulder County: Out Boulder County is a remarkable, local resource with events, housing and job boards, technology assistance, and more. Their mission: Working independently and in collaboration, we facilitate connection, advocacy, education, research and programs to ensure LGBTQ+ people and communities thrive in Boulder County and beyond.
• Colorado Attorneys for the Arts. Colorado Attorneys for the Arts (CAFTA) is a pro bono legal referral service connecting artists, performers, cultural organizations and creative business to volunteer attorneys. CAFTA also offers educational presentations, webinars and resources. Learn more here about the referral process and access educational materials.
• ACLU Colorado Affiliate: The ACLU of Colorado is the state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Their mission: Protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education and advocacy. They work in three areas: litigation and legal advocacy, public policy, and public education.
• The National Coalition Against Censorship: Their mission: Every generation of Americans faces new and significant challenges to free expression. For almost 50 years, NCAC has acted as a first responder to protect this freedom, which is both a fundamental human right and a keystone of democracy in the ever-changing American nation. We promote freedom of thought and inquiry and oppose censorship. When controversy occurs, we encourage and facilitate dialogue between divergent voices and perspectives, including those that have historically been silenced.
• The Craft Emergency Relief Fund (CERF+) provides preparedness resources and emergency relief grants to craft-focused artists who have experienced a sudden, unexpected, career-threatening emergency, such as a theft, illness, accident, fire, or climate-related disaster. More information including eligibility on their website.

Keep up to date on threats to free artistic expression on this Americans for the Arts page; it shows tracking and responses to legislation impacting the creative sector.