Freedom of expression in England's culture sector under threat from 'structural' political pressure, report warns

"Freedom of expression across England's cultural sector is being constricted by escalating political scrutiny, nervous trustees and the growing weaponisation of funding, according to a new report published today by the arts charity Queercircle. Let's Create Change: Artistic Freedom in a Time of Genocide and Rising Fascism draws on anonymous testimony from 44 arts workers across England."

"Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents described stark inconsistencies in how institutions apply principles of free expression, depending on the subject under discussion. One recalled that their employer had readily issued statements on anti-racism and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, yet refused to comment on the Israel-Palestine conflict because it would be deemed "taking a side"."

"The report argues that Arts Council England's (ACE) guidance on "matters of political debate", which was introduced in January 2024, has exacerbated these fears. It also highlights controversial changes made by ACE to its Relationship Framework for National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs), which focused on the "reputational risk" associated with "overtly political or activist" statements, warning that "output that might be deemed controversial" could threaten funding for recipients."

"More than half of respondents (55%) said the guidance had affected their organisation, with one freelancer noting that ACE-funded venues were "too scared to let artists make statements or show solidarity." A spokesperson for Arts Council England said it "unequivocally supports artistic expression and the right of artists to make work that is challenging, provoking, and indeed, political" and pointed out that its guidance was updated after conce"

Anonymous testimony from 44 arts workers across England describes escalating political scrutiny, nervous trustees and the growing weaponisation of funding constricting freedom of expression across the cultural sector. Reports indicate expressions of solidarity with Palestine and support for transgender rights face disproportionate suppression, while other topics receive more permissive treatment. Seventy-two percent of respondents reported inconsistent applications of free-expression principles depending on subject matter. Arts Council England guidance on "matters of political debate" and changes to its Relationship Framework for National Portfolio Organisations have increased fears that controversial or overtly political statements could jeopardise funding.

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