ArtsNL says it won’t tolerate abusive backlash from artists who didn’t make the cut for this year’s grant program.

The warning came in a statement this morning from ArtsNL executive director Melanie Martin and chair David Brown.

They say while applications have seen a steady rise in recent years, “nothing could have prepared them” for the flood of interest this year -it being the Year of the Arts in the province.

And while that’s a welcome sign of booming creativity and enthusiasm, Brown and Martin say it also speaks to artists’ desperate need for funding.

But they say some people have crossed the line when it comes to expressing that need, and the “deep disappointment and frustration … when their peer-assessed applications are not successful.”

Specifically, Brown and Martin say ArtsNL staff have been subject to rude and aggressive phone calls or e-mails, slander, threatening tones, derogatory words and offensive commentary that won’t be tolerated.

That includes raising one’s voice, using belittling or vulgar language, making direct or indirect threats, contacting staff too often and after hours, or refusing to accept responses or explanations.

ArtsNL included a detailed guide on inappropriate behaviour with this morning’s statement.

They say such behaviour can affect future applications for funding, and could lead to a ban on communicating with staff, or other consequences, not excluding legal action.