New Report: Afraid to Speak Freely

Freedom in the Arts (FITA) launches ground-breaking report on free expression in the UK arts sector

On Tuesday 6 May 2025, FITA releases Afraid to Speak Freely—a landmark report exposing a growing climate of fear, censorship, and ideological conformity in UK arts institutions. Based on testimony from 483 artists and arts professionals, the report reveals how many now feel unable to speak openly without risking career damage, exclusion or harassment.

Drawing on real experiences from across the sector, the report identifies a chilling effect that disproportionately silences emerging or marginal voices. It highlights how politically sensitive topics—such as gender identity, Israel-Palestine, and race—have become virtually off-limits, undermining the open debate and creative risk-taking that define the arts.

Co-authored by Rosie Kay, Denise Fahmy and Professor Jo Phoenix, the report concludes with a call to action: arts institutions must urgently commit to protecting freedom of expression, supporting viewpoint diversity, and rejecting ideological gatekeeping.

FITA will continue to push for change—with plans for a national conference, events, commissions, and policy lobbying in 2025. We call on funders, leaders and all who value free artistic expression to support this vital work.

Read the full report now: [Download Link]

Academic citation: https://doi.org/10.48683/1926.00122571