Sentencing of Climate Activist for Defacing Edgar Degas Sculpture Exhibit

On April 27, 2023, the protective sanctuary for this beloved girl, Degas' 'Little Dancer,' was battered," lamented Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery of Art, in a statement to NPR. "She is one of the most vulnerable and fragile works in our entire collection. I cannot overemphasize how the violent treatment of her protection barrier, repeated slamming, and vibrations, have forever jeopardized her stability.

Feldman's words underscored the broader concern facing cultural institutions as they grapple with acts of vandalism driven by agendas unrelated to art appreciation. "With increased frequency, institutions – overwhelmingly non-profit museums for the public benefit – have suffered collateral damage at the hands of agendas that have nothing to do with museums or the art attacked. The real damage that these acts of vandalism pose must be taken seriously to deter future incidents that continue to threaten our cultural heritage and historic memory.

In response to accusations that the vandalism was an act of climate activism, a statement on Declare Emergency's Instagram page sought to explain the rationale behind the action. "The 'Little Dancer' is a depiction of a vulnerable, 14-year-old girl who worked at the Paris Opera," it read. "Degas' depiction of her is beautiful and has been viewed by millions, but the 'Little Dancer' seemingly disappeared after she posed for Degas. Like the 'Little Dancer,' millions of little girls and boys won't have a future because our leaders didn't act decades ago when they should have and continue to drag their feet to stop the fossil-fueled climate catastrophe that is engulfing us all.

Joanna Smith and Tim Martin, the activists involved in the defacement, faced legal repercussions. Smith pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit. Martin's trial was scheduled for August 26. Nicknamed "The Degas Two," Smith and Martin gained attention in climate activism circles, with colleagues from other groups speaking out in support. Last June, members of Extinction Rebellion NYC and Rise and Resist protested the charges at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Extinction Rebellion activist Lydia Woolley also drew attention to their case by interrupting a Broadway performance, reminding the audience, "Don't forget about Joanna Smith. Don't forget about Tim Martin. Don't forget about the truth tellers. This play doesn't end when you leave the theater.

Ahead of Joanna Smith's sentencing hearing, over 1,000 individuals signed a petition urging Judge Amy Berman Jackson to consider leniency. The petition highlighted the symbolic nature of Smith and Martin's protest, emphasizing that they merely placed water-soluble paint handprints on equipment supporting the Degas sculpture "Little Dancer." The letter accompanying the petition argued that their act of civil disobedience caused no harm to individuals or property, serving as a form of peaceful protest protected by the U.S. tradition of nonviolent civil disobedience.

The right to protest in the U.S. and the history of symbolic, nonviolent civil disobedience actions are well-documented. However, these charges and this case appear to disregard past precedents and respond to these recent acts in an excessively severe manner," the letter stated.

The case of Smith and Martin is not isolated, as penalties against climate protests have been escalating globally. In England, two activists from the Just Stop Oil group received sentences exceeding two-and-a-half years for scaling a bridge over the River Thames, while British physician Sarah Benn faced suspension from a medical tribunal after participating in climate protests. In Germany, police crackdowns targeted climate activists associated with the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) group, accusing them of financing criminal activities through fundraising campaigns.

Experts in climate change activism are concerned about the chilling effect of harsh penalties on the movement. James Özden, founder of Social Change Lab, emphasized that such measures deter individuals from participating in protests. However, Özden also suggested that governmental pushback could paradoxically inspire activists to undertake more daring actions in response. The escalating severity of penalties against protesters may ultimately fuel a heightened sense of urgency among activists, prompting them to take greater risks in their advocacy efforts.

Ahead of Joanna Smith's sentencing hearing, over 1,000 individuals signed a petition urging Judge Amy Berman Jackson to consider leniency. The petition highlighted the symbolic nature of Smith and Martin's protest, emphasizing that they merely placed water-soluble paint handprints on equipment supporting the Degas sculpture "Little Dancer." The letter accompanying the petition argued that their act of civil disobedience caused no harm to individuals or property, serving as a form of peaceful protest protected by the U.S. tradition of nonviolent civil disobedience.

The right to protest in the U.S. and the history of symbolic, nonviolent civil disobedience actions are well-documented. However, these charges and this case appear to disregard past precedents and respond to these recent acts in an excessively severe manner," the letter stated.

The case of Smith and Martin is not isolated, as penalties against climate protests have been escalating globally. In England, two activists from the Just Stop Oil group received sentences exceeding two-and-a-half years for scaling a bridge over the River Thames, while British physician Sarah Benn faced suspension from a medical tribunal after participating in climate protests. In Germany, police crackdowns targeted climate activists associated with the Letzte Generation (Last Generation) group, accusing them of financing criminal activities through fundraising campaigns.

Experts in climate change activism are concerned about the chilling effect of harsh penalties on the movement. James Özden, founder of Social Change Lab, emphasized that such measures deter individuals from participating in protests. However, Özden also suggested that governmental pushback could paradoxically inspire activists to undertake more daring actions in response. The escalating severity of penalties against protesters may ultimately fuel a heightened sense of urgency among activists, prompting them to take greater risks in their advocacy efforts.

In conclusion, the clash between escalating penalties for climate protest and the steadfast determination of activists underscores the urgency of the climate crisis and the pressing need for societal action. Despite the deterrent effect of harsh punishments, individuals like Joanna Smith and Tim Martin persist in their advocacy efforts, driven by a sense of moral obligation and the recognition of the imminent threat posed by climate change. However, their actions also highlight the broader challenge of mobilizing widespread support for climate action, particularly in the face of complacency and a lack of awareness about the severity of the crisis. As the climate movement continues to evolve, it is clear that overcoming these obstacles will require ongoing education, advocacy, and a collective commitment to effecting meaningful change for the planet and future generations.