Statement on Resolution of Artist in Residence Lawsuit
Post Date:08/22/2025 4:14 PMThe Town of Vail and Danielle SeeWalker have agreed to resolve litigation related to the town’s cancellation of its Artist in Residence program in the summer of 2024. While the Town of Vail denies any wrongdoing, the parties, through mediation, reached a mutually acceptable solution to the lawsuit.
The town made the decision to cancel the 2024 program based on concerns regarding the potential politicizing of a program that is publicly funded. In the lawsuit, SeeWalker alleged she was not allowed to participate in the Artist in Residence program due to having engaged in activity protected by the First Amendment.
As background, in January of 2024 SeeWalker was approached by Vail’s Art in Public Places to discuss creation of a mural for the town’s public art program, based on her existing body of art highlighting Native American culture. After releasing her name in an announcement, community members raised concerns to town staff surrounding SeeWalker’s rhetoric on her social media platform regarding the Israel-Hamas war. As a public entity, the town was not willing to amplify messaging that made our residents or guests feel targeted based on background, religion, or any other inappropriate basis.
The town is committed to promoting diverse programming through its Art in Public Places efforts, as well as supporting underrepresented artists. Over the past year, new policies have been created and adopted for Vail’s program to ensure clarity and a positive experience for both the town and participating artists. The town wishes Danielle SeeWalker well and looks forward to continuing its path of providing robust, engaging and inclusive art events and installations.Return to full list >>
