Public statements
1. Aberdeen Performing Arts / Maureen Lipman
Statement on attempts to cancel Dame Maureen Lipman 5/5/26
Freedom in the Arts and Friends in the Arts are deeply concerned by campaigns calling for the cancellation of Dame Maureen Lipman’s performances of Allegra at Aberdeen Performing Arts.
No artist should face professional exclusion because of their Jewish identity, personal beliefs, or perceived associations. Attempts to pressure venues into cancelling lawful performances undermine artistic freedom, cultural diversity and open democratic debate.
Recent research published in The New Boycott Crisis demonstrates how boycott campaigns can create a climate in which Jewish artists are subjected to scrutiny and treatment not applied to others. Such campaigns risk normalising discrimination while claiming to advance social justice.
We stand firmly behind the right of artists to work without intimidation and urge cultural institutions to resist pressure that seeks to silence, exclude or stigmatise individuals on the basis of identity or belief.
2. Arts Council England 26/5/26
Statement on antisemitism and cultural boycotts
Freedom in the Arts and Friends in the Arts welcome Arts Council England’s commitment to reviewing its approach to antisemitism and complaints handling.
Our recent report, The New Boycott Crisis, documents growing evidence that cultural boycotts and exclusionary campaigns are contributing to a climate in which Jewish artists, venues and organisations face disproportionate pressure, scrutiny and discrimination.
We believe arts institutions have a responsibility to uphold both freedom of expression and equality protections. No artist should face exclusion because they are Jewish, Israeli, or perceived to have a connection to Israel.
We look forward to engaging constructively with Arts Council England to help ensure that antisemitism is recognised, addressed and prevented across the cultural sector.
3. British Museum / Jewish Culture Month 28/5/26
Statement on the postponement of a Jewish Culture Month event
Freedom in the Arts and Friends in the Arts are concerned by the postponement of Ancient Israel and Judah in the British Museum following reports of planned disruption by attendees.
While we welcome the Museum’s recognition that intimidation is unacceptable, cultural programming should not be shaped by those seeking to silence discussion through organised pressure.
The postponement reflects a wider trend identified in The New Boycott Crisis, in which events connected to Jewish identity or Israel are increasingly treated as uniquely controversial and vulnerable to disruption.