Freedom in the Arts (FITA) has announced its new report, Afraid to Speak Freely, an urgent investigation into the state of freedom of expression in the United Kingdom’s arts and cultural sector. Drawing on the responses of 483 professionals from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the report reveals a sector increasingly constrained by ideological conformity, institutional caution, and fear of reprisal.
Co-authored by Denise Fahmy, Rosie Kay, and Professor Jo Phoenix, the report captures the experiences of artists, producers, writers, performers, and administrators working in the arts today. It follows up on a similar 2020 survey by Arts Professional, offering a powerful comparison over five years. The key message is clear: the space for open, diverse dialogue in UK arts has narrowed significantly.
Only 16% of respondents in the 2024 survey felt they could always or usually express their opinions freely on controversial issues—down from 19% in 2020. Many reported self-censorship and avoidance of sensitive subjects, citing fear of online backlash, loss of work, and professional isolation. Topics such as gender identity, race, and colonialism were frequently named as “taboo,” where only certain viewpoints are seen as acceptable.
The report highlights the rise of a climate of ideological conformity, in which disagreement is often met with social or professional penalties. Respondents described being monitored by peers, excluded from projects, or publicly attacked for expressing dissenting opinions. As one participant put it, “There is no room for honest questioning anymore. You’re either with the dominant view or you’re a risk.”
Institutional behavior plays a major role in this dynamic. Many arts organizations were described as increasingly risk-averse, placing reputational management over their responsibility to uphold freedom of expression. Rather than defend artists or staff who raise difficult questions, institutions often respond with silence—or even disciplinary action.
Despite these concerns, Afraid to Speak Freely also documents a strong desire for change. Many in the sector want to reclaim the arts as a space for critical thinking, complexity, and open dialogue. The report calls on cultural institutions, funders, and policymakers to take concrete steps: adopt clear policies on free expression, support viewpoint diversity, and resist pressure to censor or marginalize dissenting voices.
FITA’s report is not just a warning, but a call to action: to reassert the foundational importance of freedom of expression in the arts and ensure the sector remains a space where diverse voices can be heard.
These 2024 findings echos a 2019 Arts Professional survey showing 80% feared professional ostracism for controversial views. Arts Council England revised its policies in 2024 to reaffirm support for political art, yet many respondents still report self-censorship.
The full report is available here:
Afraid to Speak Freely (PDF)
