NORFOLK, Neb. -- Concerned community members in Norfolk continue to pressure the Norfolk Arts Center after it removed a piece from its annual juried show, despite a statement promising growth and improvement.

The Norfolk Arts Center removed a photo of two men kissing, raising questions about the center's commitment to inclusion.

The group argues that labeling the photograph as "mature content" is a thinly veiled attempt to deem queer affection as inappropriate for public viewing, especially when other works in the exhibit feature full nudity. "The suggestion that queer affection is inherently more controversial or inappropriate than other forms of expression sends a harmful message and directly contradicts the Center’s stated values of inclusion and representation," the statement reads.

Following the removal of the artwork, the artist chose to withdraw his work from the exhibit.

The community members had previously sent a letter to the Arts Center with four requests, including a public statement acknowledging the censorship, the development of a formal policy protecting curatorial integrity, and clarification on the role of public support in ensuring broad artistic engagement. While the artwork was indirectly reinstated, the other three requests remain unanswered, they said.

The group is urging the Norfolk Arts Center's Board of Directors to take the matter seriously and act with transparency and accountability. They emphasize the importance of the Arts Center as a vital community institution and hope to see it grow stronger by fully embracing its mission.