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Vail Settles Free-Speech Suit With Lakota Artist, Commits to Powwows and New Arts Program

The agreement resolves a case over the town canceling Danielle SeeWalker’s residency after she posted a private pro-Palestine artwork.

Overview

  • The settlement requires Vail to fund an art program for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged people.
  • SeeWalker will organize a powwow at Vail’s Donovan Pavilion each year for five years, with the first expected in 2026.
  • Vail will sponsor a community forum on Israel and Palestine featuring interfaith and community voices and will add annual Indigenous-led cultural training for arts staff.
  • The ACLU of Colorado sued after Vail rescinded SeeWalker’s residency over an Instagram post, and the town said it would not use public funds to support a polarizing geopolitical position.
  • Officials have not provided detailed timelines for implementation, and SeeWalker said she sought community-focused remedies rather than a financial payout.