• Let’s Create Change:
    Artistic Freedom in a Time of Genocide and Rising Fascism

    A report by QUEERCIRCLE, written by Juliet Jacques

  • “Fear of reputational damage has replaced freedom of expression. This culture of self-censorship reflects the wider narrowing of civic space in the UK, where protest and public assembly have been restricted by successive laws.”

     
  • Let’s Create Change: Artistic Freedom in a Time of Genocide and Rising Fascism exposes a growing climate of censorship, funding...

    Let’s Create Change: Artistic Freedom in a Time of Genocide and Rising Fascism exposes a growing climate of censorship, funding pressures and political influence across the UK arts sector, particularly in relation to Palestine and trans rights. 

     

    Released amid escalating global conflict and renewed debate about freedom of expression in the arts, Let’s Create Change draws on testimony from professionals across England’s visual arts sector, following two years of consultation with cultural workers and institutions. 

     

    Written by Juliet Jacques, the report outlines a comprehensive timeline of recent controversies and the shifting legislative ground that has worsened the situation for artistic freedom in the UK – a freedom that has become increasingly conditional on trustees’ sensibilities and a growing culture of fear around “reputational damage.”

     

  • Key Findings

    • 72% of respondents observed inconsistencies in how free speech principles are applied within their organisations.

    • Over half reported being directly affected by Arts Council England’s guidance on “matters of political debate.”

    • 56% said they had been warned that expressing certain views - particularly support for Palestine - could jeopardise funding.

    • Almost half had experienced trustees objecting to or intervening in politically engaged programming.

    • More than a quarter had been formally reported to the Charity Commission, often after making public statements in support of Gaza.