We the undersigned members of Artsfex condemn an alarming worldwide trend in which

violent protest silences artistic expression that some groups claim is offensive. People have
every right to object to art they find objectionable but no right whatsoever to have that work
censored. Free expression, including work that others may find shocking or offensive, is a
right that must be defended vigorously.
We call on artists, arts venues, protestors and the police to work together as a matter of
urgency, to stand up for artistic free expression and to ensure that the right to protest does
not override the right to free expression. This means that every possible step is taken to
ensure that the art work remains open for all to see, while protesters voices are heard.
We must prevent the repetition of recent 'successful protests' in which the artist is silenced
by threats of violence towards the institution, the work or the artist him or herself, as we saw
with Exhibit B in London, and The City, the hip-hop opera by the Jerusalem-based Incubator
Theatre company, which was disrupted and consequently cancelled earlier this year in
Edinburgh.
Greater clarity around policing of controversial arts events is an essential first step. In the
United Kingdom there is nothing at present in Association of Chief Police Officers guidance
relating to the particulars of policing cultural events, except in reference to football matches
and music festivals.
Controversial art triggers debate - and in the case of Exhibit B there was a huge outpouring
of feeling in opposition to the work. A contemporary institution should anticipate and provide
for this. Detailed planning such as this is important if the arts venue is to cater for both the
artwork and the debate it generates.
We are concerned that unless arts institutions prepare procedures to manage controversy,
including to develop strategies for working with the police to control violence, our culture will
suffer as a result and become less dynamic, relevant and responsive.
Article 19, freeDimensional, Freemuse, Index on Censorship, National Coalition Against
Censorship (US), Vivarta

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About Artsfex
ARTSFEX is an international civil society network actively concerned with the right of
artists to freedom of expression as well as with issues relating to human rights and
freedoms. ARTSFEX aims to promote, protect and defend artistic freedom of expression,
and freedom of assembly, thought, and opinion in and across all art disciplines, globally.
http://artsfex.org/