And another thing: from censorship to systemic change

Over the past 21 months, we’ve seen dozens of Australian arts and cultural organisations censor and silence the very artists and practitioners they rely upon for their work.

And the hits just keep coming, with the Queensland Government the latest to cause harm through a rushed, fumbled and poorly-informed decision making process that rescinded a State Library fellowship from a First Nations writer for demonstrating their solidarity with Palestine.

They join a long and growing list of organisational failures but, so far, few reversals and even less systemic change – in spite of overwhelming condemnation of censorship from the very artists and audiences these organisations purport to represent.

But when failing organisations are still doubling down, and new ones aren’t learning from their many poor examples, what else can we do to move the dial?

My latest ‘and another thing’ vlog includes some thoughts on turning our outrage against censorship into meaningful systemic change, and on the importance of pushing through our fear, not sinking into the privilege of our silence.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Read more

This episode of ‘and another thing’ draws from or references:

Further reading: Palestine as a governance issue

You can check out all of the articles and resources in this series, which include:

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Author: katelarsenkeys

Writer. Rabble-rouser. Arts, Cultural and Non-Profit Consultant.