Who should assume the risk when art gets controversial – the artist or their employer?
Australia’s artists show courage by making risky, boundary-pushing art. But there aren’t enough courageous organisations willing to back them.
In Australia, the question of who bears responsibility for an artist's risk when working with a controversial piece of art remains a contentious issue. Arts organisations, which can be private, public, non-profit, or statutory bodies, must navigate the delicate balance between managing business and protecting the artistic freedom of those they employ.
Boards, which have become the dominant governing structure for arts organisations seeking legitimacy and government funding, play a key role in this process. They are responsible for making major decisions on behalf of the company and hold legal responsibility. However, the makeup of these boards can reveal tensions around how to manage risk and freedom of expression.
Recent events, such as Adelaide Writers Week, have highlighted the potential consequences of board-level risk management. When dozens of artists withdrew in protest of the board's decision to rescind its invitation to a Palestinian-Australian author, the event was ultimately cancelled. This incident underscores the importance of considering the impact of board decisions on artists and the broader cultural landscape.
Artists often assume certain risks when employed as contractors by arts organisations. They may not receive payment for the work that produces the performance or display, and their contracts may only cover the presentation or performance. This externalisation of creative risk can make artists vulnerable to criticism and loss of employment when their work is deemed controversial.
To better protect artists from financial and legal risk, arts boards must slow down their decision-making processes and strive for diverse representation. This includes not only professional backgrounds but also cultural perspectives, which can provide a more robust discussion on important issues. By doing so, arts organisations can uphold their role as trusted civic spaces and agents of the public's desires, while also fostering a thriving arts community.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
