Arts Council England Issues Warning on Political Statements
Arts Council England has warned that political statements could violate funding agreements after meetings with the government regarding the Israel-Gaza war, as revealed by newly released documents. ACE issued this warning following a December meeting with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Artists like Matt Haig, Feargal Sharkey, and Nikita Gill have criticized this guidance.
Arts Council England (ACE) has warned that political statements could violate funding agreements after meetings with the government regarding the Israel-Gaza war, as revealed by newly released documents.
This warning was issued following a December meeting between ACE and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
One month later, ACE updated its guidance, leading to widespread backlash from artists like Matt Haig, Feargal Sharkey, and Nikita Gill.
Equity, the actors' union, accused ACE of double standards and potential political interference.
ACE clarified that the government did not mandate this guidance and that it was a response to requests from funded organizations for support in managing complex situations.
Despite criticism likening the guidance to censorship, ACE stated that it supports organizations if they have a solid risk management strategy.
This backdrop includes ACE's affirmations supporting creatives who opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing contrasts in its approach to different conflicts.
The DCMS confirmed ACE's autonomy in these decisions.
This warning was issued following a December meeting between ACE and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
One month later, ACE updated its guidance, leading to widespread backlash from artists like Matt Haig, Feargal Sharkey, and Nikita Gill.
Equity, the actors' union, accused ACE of double standards and potential political interference.
ACE clarified that the government did not mandate this guidance and that it was a response to requests from funded organizations for support in managing complex situations.
Despite criticism likening the guidance to censorship, ACE stated that it supports organizations if they have a solid risk management strategy.
This backdrop includes ACE's affirmations supporting creatives who opposed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing contrasts in its approach to different conflicts.
The DCMS confirmed ACE's autonomy in these decisions.
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