Lance Armstrong and the Aspen Art Museum (Illustration by Hyperallergic)
Apparently, doping doesn’t matter so much in the art world. Even though sponsors like Nike, Anheuser-Busch, Oakley, and others have decided to drop Lance Armstrong following his expulsion from the world of cycling, the Aspen Art Museum is keeping the athlete on its board.
The International Cycling Union banned Armstrong after the doping allegations that have plagued him throughout his seven Tour de France wins turned out to be true. Not only did Armstrong use doping himself, he created an extensive program for his team, who had a “win at all costs” attitude, according to president of the cycling union Pat McQuaid. Following the dramatic reveal, even Armstrong’s own Livestrong disassociated from the cyclist.
The Aspen Art Museum doesn’t seem to mind, however. Armstrong is a part-time resident of the city and has been on the museum’s board of trustees since 2011. “He is, has been and will continue to be an excellent board member and good citizen in our community,” said Aspen Art Museum Director Heidi Zuckerman Jacobson. Last August, Armstrong attended the museum’s Art Crush Fundraiser, according to the Aspen Times.
Armstrong had become something of a celebrity in Colorado, but Mayor Mick Ireland’s proposed Lance Armstrong Day for Aspen seems a lot less likely at this point. Taking an interest in the art world might be a good next step for Armstrong. You don’t need any real physical prowess to be a board member, just a steady transfusion of … cash.
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Doping is interesting from an artistic perspective, especially in a sport like cycling, where doping is more the norm than the exception.