Arts First
Arts First
Episode 8 - Freedom of expression in the arts?
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Episode 8 - Freedom of expression in the arts?

Guests Rosie Kay and Denise Fahmy join us to talk about their campaign 'Freedom in the Arts' (FITA) and examine the growing problem of intolerance and constraints on freedom of expression in the arts.

In this episode we examine the growing problem of constraints on freedom of expression in the arts and talk to two women about the campaign they set up to tackle attacks on artistic freedom.

An Arts Professional survey report published in 2020 showed that eight out of 10 people working in the arts agreed that if you speak out against the orthodoxy in many arts institutions you risk ostracisation. This is a shocking state of affairs given that the life blood of the arts is freedom of expression. 

Our guests in this episode are Rosie Kay and Denise Fahmy. They set up the campaign, Freedom in the Arts, after they discovered through bitter experience that a value that is supposed to be at the very centre of the arts’ existence is surprisingly undervalued in the arts world.

They tell us about how their careers in the arts were badly affected by hostility and betrayal from previously trusted colleagues after they expressed views that challenged dominant orthodoxies in the arts world. and why they set up their campaign.

To find out about their stories, their campaign and take their new survey, listen to this podcast and then go to www.freedominthearts.com

Denise and Rosie also talk to The Times about their campaign and the launch of their survey in this fascinating interview.

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Arts First
Arts First
Arts First challenges the contemporary view of the arts as tools for social change; highlights how freedom of expression is compromised by political activism and institutional cowardice; explores what is unique and special about the arts; and celebrates new artistic achievement and courage in the face of today’s challenges. Arts First is produced by the Academy of Ideas Arts. and Society Forum.