A new report and practical toolkit for navigating boycott pressure in the arts
Across the UK arts sector, artists, venues and intermediaries are increasingly drawn into conflicts far beyond their creative work. Boycotts, cancellations and reputational campaigns can escalate quickly, often without clear process, legal clarity or institutional support.
Freedom in the Arts has published The New Boycott Crisis and launched the Art Beyond Boycott Toolkit to help the sector respond calmly, fairly and within the law.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
The New Boycott Crisis Report
A research-led analysis based on survey data, confidential case studies and senior roundtable discussion. It documents how boycott pressure operates in practice, how decisions are made under constraint and what is lost when fear replaces process.
Art Beyond Boycott Toolkit
Practical, modular guidance designed for use when pressure arises. It provides step-by-step tools, decision trees, checklists and sample response templates.
TOOLKIT MODULES
Choose the module that fits your role.
Module 01: Artists, Writers and Performers
Practical guidance, personal safety checklist, FAQs and sample responses.
Open Module 01
Module 02: Venues, Publishers and Festivals
Crisis protocol, sample policies and communications templates, legal overview.
Open Module 02
Module 03: Agents, Managers and Promoters
Early warning signs, contractual clauses, communications protocols and risk tools.
Open Module 03
WHAT THIS IS AND IS NOT
The toolkit is not about taking political sides. It is about protecting the space for art, where difference, dialogue and dissent can coexist without intimidation or discrimination.
It provides a practical overview of legal and governance issues that may arise. It is not legal advice and we recommend obtaining specific advice where needed.
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS NOW
Our evidence suggests boycott logic is increasingly shaping decision-making across the arts. The greatest loss is not only cancelled work but the work that is never made.
This report and toolkit are intended to strengthen clarity, consistency and confidence across the sector.