Brooklyn Museum Art Controversy Survey 1999 [United States]

Produced By: Center for Survey Research and Analysis, University of Connecticut, September 29-30, 1999, Storrs, Connecticut: Center for Survey Research and Analysis, University of Connecticut

Funding Agency/Sponsor: First Amendment Center

Author:

• McGill, Lawrence T.  (First Amendment Center)
• Dautrich, Kenneth  (Center for Survey Research and Analysis, University of Connecticut)

Abstract (CPANDA): This national survey collected data on Americans' attitudes concerning freedom of expression issues arising from the exhibit of a controversial art show at the Brooklyn Museum in the fall of 1999. Controversy about the show, titled "Sensation," centered on a painting of the Virgin Mary by British artist Chris Ofili that incorporated elephant dung and cut outs of pornographic images into its design. The survey included questions about awareness of the controversy, attitudes toward the public display of potentially offensive art, attitudes toward government censorship of art, and attitudes toward public funding of museums that display controversial art.

Methodology (CPANDA) : A total of 1,006 telephone interviews were conducted with a random national RDD sample of Americans over the age of 18, between September 29 and October 3, 1999. The survey was conducted for the First Amendment Center by the Center for Survey Research and Analysis (CSRA) at the University of Connecticut. Response rate details are not available.