Freedom of expression in the arts is central to what this podcast is about, and it is at the heart of this episode. We take a look at what can and all too often does happen to those working in the arts who happen to express the ‘wrong’ kind views, disagree, or ask awkward questions of the kind that go against some of the current orthodoxies.
Our guest today found out that the consequences, in terms of one’s career and reputation, can be really very serious and unpleasant. Martin Speake is a respected jazz saxophonist, performer, recording artist and a long-standing music educator. For over 30 years he’s taught at some of the UK’s top music schools — the Royal Academy and Guildhall Schools of Music, as well as Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
But things started to go very wrong last year after Martin simply responded to a work email from management at Trinity, asking for feedback on their Diversity and Inclusion plans, in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests that seemed to up-end so many institutions.
So what happened? Martin joins us to talk about the Kafkaesque nightmare that quickly unfolded, which left him without a job, as well as losing his playing and recording career. We discuss many of the issues arising from his experiences, for him and more broadly for the arts and arts education. And we talk about how, with the support of the Free Speec Union (see link below), friends and former students, he is fighting to regain his career and his reputation.
Links
Interview with Martin Speake in The Times.
Martin’s case with the Free Speech Union.
Martin’s Crowd Justice fundraising page - please support.
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