Arts Council England (ACE) has advised arts organizations it funds to avoid making "overtly political or activist" statements. This guidance, issued in February 2024, came after discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. Documents revealed through a Freedom of Information request by the actors' union Equity show that the conflict was a topic in a December 2023 meeting between ACE and DCMS.
Following the release of the guidance, prominent figures such as Matt Haig, Feargal Sharkey, and Nikita Gill criticized it, labeling it as censorship. Equity accused ACE of "double standards" and questioned potential governmental interference. ACE clarified that the guidance resulted from organizations seeking advice on handling complex situations and not from government requests.
Paul Fleming, Equity’s general secretary, described the guidance as politicization leading to censorship. In response to backlash, ACE revised its guidance, stating it supports organizations facing negative reactions if they have effective risk management strategies. The ACE spokesperson emphasized that the guidance does not restrict artists or organizations from making their desired art or expressions, even if they challenge institutions and authorities.
The issue arose against the backdrop of the government’s full-scale review of ACE, which may affect its future. An ACE spokesperson reiterated that the updated guidance arises from regular organizational support and DCMS had no input. A DCMS spokesperson confirmed that ACE operates independently regarding its relationship framework.