Winston-Salem Mural Removed As Censorship Debate Continues

The removal of a mural in a downtown Winston-Salem art park has led to cries of censorship, and passions are running high.

The mural, by local artist/activist Niko Schmidt, depicted Wake Forest University's Demon Deacon mascot as a robber baron walking over houses with bag and cane in hand, and the word “Deactown” stenciled behind him.

It was to be one of ten wall paintings on display at ARTivity On The Green, an art-themed park downtown, as part of the Concrete Canvas Mural Fest, which is put on each year by Art For Art's Sake. But after viewing the in-progress work, CEO Harry Knabb said it had to go. He says since the festival began seven years ago, all contracted artists have been informed of and complied with the rules: no politics, no sexual composition, no religion, no hate.

Schmidt's work quickly sparked debate on social media over issues of censorship and the university's impact on gentrification. He says he cleared his concept with the AFAS curator prior to putting brush to paint and adds there needs to be more clarity on what is and is not tolerated.

“I think it takes courage to admit that you don't want to talk about politics, and you don't want to be critical of anyone in power,” says Schmidt. “And I think that AFAS lacks that courage if it suits them.”

Knabb says the decision to exclude Schmidt's work was his and his alone, and he adds that the nonprofit has received a lot of community support amidst the backlash.

The mural has since been painted over and work by a different artist will soon take its place.