Brave Spaces Principles

As arts and Cultural organisations, we aim to inspire, explore and create spaces where many voices can be heard and recognised, within the law and in alignment with our missions. We aspire to create a vibrant arts sector where multiple viewpoints are aired and valued. We want to ensure we protect creative freedom whilst also enabling our organisations to operate in safe and sustainable ways. With this end in mind, we aspire to the following principles:

Art has the power to spark courageous conversations, and we believe that this is more vital now than ever. For these reasons it’s important to present a complex range of views, and forms of expression, for exploration and debate.

• It is not the role of arts and cultural organisations to make political statements outside the areas of their core mission, but we can and should platform artists who have significant things to say about key issues, and we should be ready to support the right of these artists to express their views.
• To present a viewpoint on stage or in an exhibition is not an organisational endorsement of that viewpoint.
• Each organisation will make its own programming choices in line with its mission and values. While we endeavour to be representative of our communities, we cannot represent every opinion or experience.
• We believe that, while the work presented in our spaces must be within the limits of the law, we may also programme artists who present critiques of and challenges to the law.
• When we make space available commercially, we will consider our organisation’s mission and values whilst abiding by our legal obligations related to venue hire.
• As programmers and curators, we appreciate that our audiences may have expectations and sensitivities in relation to our content. Where possible we will manage this through good communication and signposting, avoiding limitations on artistic freedom.
• Wherever possible, we will aim to ensure freedom of expression while ensuring staff wellbeing, for example by allowing staff to withdraw from involvement in projects that they feel uncomfortable being involved in, as long as this is feasible within their role.

Sponsorships and strategic partnerships can support Arts & Cultural organisations in their pursuit of their missions, whether that be through direct funding, by growing the reach and visibility of our work and purpose, through commitments to deliver positive social and community impact or through initiatives which enhance the experiences of our audiences.

In accordance with rules set out by The Charity Commission, we have a responsibility to accept funds that further our charitable objectives. There must be clear and legal justification for any refusal of sponsorship, funding or donations.

When it comes to accepting funding and sponsorship, we commit to the following:

• Due Diligence on all significant donations and sponsorships ensuring they are not in conflict with the charity’s objectives
• Refusing or ending funding/sponsorships if:
  • A funder or sponsor’s direct activity clearly contradicts the charity’s objectives
  • The funder/sponsor engages in illegal activity
  • A funder/sponsor interferes in programming or artistic choices
• Accepting that discussions about sponsors and sponsorship can happen, while recognising that we should not be expected to publicly or personally critique funders/sponsors.

We recognise that:

• Artists must be free to use their work to begin and hold conversations about political and social issues and should not be penalised for including complex and/or contentious subjects.
• Arts organisations should be clear in advance about any specific policies or parameters that we hold in respect of content or programming.
• Arts and cultural organisations can and should challenge and nurture artists to create their best possible work.
• Artists’ freedom of expression includes the right to express opinions and to constructively critique governmental bodies, funders/sponsors and arts and cultural organisations, within the limits of the law. This should not impact their future opportunities and relationships with us.
• Artists may choose to withdraw from projects due to sponsorship associations and this will be respected, though contractual obligations may still apply.
• Boycotts are an individual right, though they should not be imposed through intimidation, bullying or unreasonable accusations against other artists, audiences or employees
• Past opinions and actions, within the law, should not exclude artists from participation on our stages and galleries.
• We will support the artists we programme in the face of politically or personally motivated attacks.

As charitable organisations we are required not to express political opinions outside our charitable objectives.

• We recognise that staff members will have their own beliefs and opinions on a range of issues, and we respect their right to hold and express those opinions, within the limits of any contractual obligations.
• However, organisations and staff members should be careful that staff views are not mistaken for the organisation's views and do not cause unnecessary offence to members of the public or colleagues or bring the organisation into disrepute.
• While staff may express opinions in the workplace, harassment and bullying of our colleagues will not be tolerated or accepted.
• Protest against the choices of an organisation should be allowed within the limits of safety and the law.
• Intimidation or bullying of staff, trustees, audiences or other partners is not acceptable.

We are committed to open, honest dialogue with our audiences, our artists, and our staff. We may not always get it right, but we will always endeavour to listen, learn, and grow, together.

We believe that art has the power to open up new possibilities and offers a necessary space to explore and express the issues we face in the world today.

For these reasons, we believe that achieving a shared understanding as to how arts and cultural organisations operate in the current environment is an important step forward