Lyn Gardner argues that arts organisations should give up their royal patronage, saying what was once considered a badge of pride now "peddles the idea that theatre, dance and the arts are only for the elite".
'English National Ballet has severed its ties with Prince Andrew in the wake of his disastrous BBC interview about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Place have done the same.
So, that’s all right, then? Actually, I’m not sure it is. After all, the accusations against Prince Andrew have been in the public domain for a long time, so why was it only after the car crash of an interview, in which the prince expressed no sympathy for Epstein’s victims, did arts organisations – and the other 200 organisations with which he had associations – start cutting their ties?
It looks suspiciously as if the rush to ditch him following the interview is about damage limitation and not wanting to be tarnished by association. This was not a proactive stance about the values of the organisations, who they want to be associated with and in what capacity, and how seriously they take safeguarding, particularly if they are involved with young people.
At a time when theatre is looking to broaden its appeal and welcome new and diverse audiences and artists, you could well ask whether having royal patronage or a royal charter is appropriate in the 21st century.' ... Keep reading on The Stage
'English National Ballet has severed its ties with Prince Andrew in the wake of his disastrous BBC interview about his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Place have done the same.
So, that’s all right, then? Actually, I’m not sure it is. After all, the accusations against Prince Andrew have been in the public domain for a long time, so why was it only after the car crash of an interview, in which the prince expressed no sympathy for Epstein’s victims, did arts organisations – and the other 200 organisations with which he had associations – start cutting their ties?
It looks suspiciously as if the rush to ditch him following the interview is about damage limitation and not wanting to be tarnished by association. This was not a proactive stance about the values of the organisations, who they want to be associated with and in what capacity, and how seriously they take safeguarding, particularly if they are involved with young people.
At a time when theatre is looking to broaden its appeal and welcome new and diverse audiences and artists, you could well ask whether having royal patronage or a royal charter is appropriate in the 21st century.' ... Keep reading on The Stage