Cutting the Tightrope: the Divorce of Politics from Art

We are living through a moment of horror. Brutality abroad is justified or ignored by our own government, while new police powers suppress protest at home. Globally far-right movements are growing and so too are Defence budgets. There is much to talk about. But, readings, exhibitions, and shows are being cancelled. Some are silenced and some are unwilling to speak. And the Arts Council have started warning that ‘political statements’ made by individuals linked to an organisation can cause ‘reputational risk’, breaching funding agreements.