Populism and Elitism: Censorship was presented as part of the New Museum’s public program series Art & Politics, organized in 1979, which provided a space for dialogue within the art community about controversial political, social, and economic issues.¹ Then-current increases in government and corporate funding, a renewed emphasis on human rights, and the decision-making processes involved in acquiring and exhibiting art, were issues that were receiving public attention. The series provided an opportunity for discussions among panelists and an active, at times aggressive, exchange between panelists and audience.

This installment included an exploration of issues concerning under-representation of minority groups and the exploitation of the public by use of shocking or violent subject matter in the arts.²