Index on Censorship's Julia Farrington argues that the controversial cancellation of Exhibit B reveals the much bigger issue of mono-cultural bias in the arts.
If artistic culture is to be truly dynamic, strong, representative and relevant, the programmes in our theatres, galleries and museums will necessarily be challenging. The work, presented by many different voices, will likely be divisive; and causing offence, whether unintended or deliberate, is unavoidable.
The role of the arts institution in this dynamic cultural life is to manage the space between the artist and the audience, to create a place in which different ideas about the world we live in can be expressed, challenged, exalted, ridiculed and celebrated.
Brett Bailey’s Exhibit B has certainly caused considerable offence; 22,500 people signed a petition calling for the Barbican to withdraw this exhibition and after protests on the opening night yesterday, the Barbican has now decided to cancel the run... Keep reading on a-n
If artistic culture is to be truly dynamic, strong, representative and relevant, the programmes in our theatres, galleries and museums will necessarily be challenging. The work, presented by many different voices, will likely be divisive; and causing offence, whether unintended or deliberate, is unavoidable.
The role of the arts institution in this dynamic cultural life is to manage the space between the artist and the audience, to create a place in which different ideas about the world we live in can be expressed, challenged, exalted, ridiculed and celebrated.
Brett Bailey’s Exhibit B has certainly caused considerable offence; 22,500 people signed a petition calling for the Barbican to withdraw this exhibition and after protests on the opening night yesterday, the Barbican has now decided to cancel the run... Keep reading on a-n