Module 01
Artists, Writers & Performers
Module 02
For Venues, Publishers & Festivals
Module 03
For Agents, Managers & Promoters
Foreword
Across the arts, political pressure, public campaigns and boycott movements are creating new challenges for cultural life.
Festivals, publishers and artists have found themselves drawn into conflicts far beyond their creative work — often with little clarity about their rights, duties or legal protections.
Freedom in the Arts (FITA) believe that the ability to create, perform and share art freely is fundamental to a democratic society. Boycotts, cancellations and reputational attacks are not just matters of opinion – they can have real consequences for artistic livelihoods, freedom of expression and cultural exchange.
This toolkit has been designed to help artists, writers, venues, promoters and publishers navigate these pressures calmly, lawfully and professionally.
The toolkit was developed in discussion with a wide range of artists, venues and agents. Their experiences, the impact and mechanics of boycotts are discussed in our report The New Boycott Crisis.
Purpose of the Toolkit
This toolkit provides a practical overview of certain legal issues that may arise within the arts. It is not intended as a comprehensive statement of the law, or as legal advice to any individual recipient. We recommend that specific legal advice be sought as needed in particular circumstances.
The FITA Art Beyond Boycott Toolkit provides:
- Clear, accessible guidance based on research, legal consultation and sector expertise.
- Step-by-step tools to respond to boycotts, campaigns and political pressure.
- Templates and checklists to protect freedom of expression while maintaining professionalism.
- A rights-based framework that recognises both lawful protest and artistic independence.
It 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.
How to Use This Toolkit
The toolkit is modular. Each section stands alone and can be downloaded or used independently.
1. Artists, Writers & Performers
Practical advice for individuals facing boycott requests, social pressure or institutional decisions.
Includes decision tree, sample responses and rights guidance.
2. Venues, Publishers & Festivals
Frameworks for organisations handling public campaigns or internal petitions.
Includes crisis protocol, sample policies and communications templates.
3. Agents, Managers & Promoters
Tools for intermediaries balancing artistic integrity and reputational risk.
Includes contract clauses, communications protocols and risk framework.
Each module can be used:
- As a discussion resource for staff and artists.
- As a reference guide when pressure arises.
- Or as a basis for internal policy development.
- Always take your own legal advice
01
For Artists, Writers & Performers
Practical advice for individuals facing boycott requests, social pressure or institutional decisions. Includes decision tree, sample responses and personal safety checklist.
02
For Venues, Publishers & Festivals
Frameworks for organisations handling public campaigns or internal petitions. Includes crisis protocol, sample policies and communications templates.
03
For Agents, Managers & Promoters
Tools for intermediaries balancing artistic integrity and reputational risk. Includes contract clauses, communications protocol and risk frameworks.
01
For Artists, Writers & Performers
Empowering individual artists to respond confidently and safely to boycott or political pressure.
Key Tools:
01. When You’re Under Pressure:
Tips for when you’re under pressure.
A Decision Tree – What to do if you’re asked to boycott, withdraw or take a political stance.
02. FAQs:
Questions we’re asked – Can I refuse to sign a political statement?
What happens if I’m targeted online?
Am I breaking the law if I perform in some countries?
03. Template Responses:
Calm, factual language for declining to participate in a boycott.
Sample statement defending artistic freedom without escalating conflict.
04. Checklist for Personal Safety & Reputation:
How to manage social media attacks.
Documenting incidents.
When to contact a union or lawyer.
A checklist to keep you and your reputation safe.
05. Case Studies:
Anonymous examples of artists who resisted boycott pressure successfully.
Lessons learned from cases where silence or withdrawal caused harm.
02
Venues, Publishers & Festivals
Equipping institutions to handle boycott campaigns fairly, transparently and within the law.
Key Tools:
01. Preparedness:
What to do and what not to do.
Does your organisation have a Freedom of Expression Policy?
Who signs off on cancellations or withdrawals?
Do you record all external pressure campaigns?
02. Crisis Protocol Process:
How to handle public protest, media outrage or staff petitions.
Escalation points: when to involve legal, PR or board members.
03. Sample Policies & Templates:
Sample Freedom of Expression Policies.
Sample Sponsorship Policy Templates plus Decision Matrix to assess next steps when funding ties are under attack.
Communications Templates for responding to boycott letters.
04. Legal Notes:
Breach of contract implications.
Equality Act & Charity Commission duties.
Handling protest without infringing civil liberties.
05. Case Studies
Real examples (e.g., festival withdrawal incidents, author boycotts)
03
Agents, Managers & Promoters - Managing Risk, Reputation and Artistic Integrity
Helping intermediaries manage their clients’ interests and relationships under political pressure.
Key Tools:
01. Orientation and decision-making:
Take stock, recognise pressure early and prevent unnecessary escalation.
Be aware of what actions protect artists. Recognise Early Warning signs and use a Decision Tree.
02. Legal & Contractual Protection:
Contracts and agreements protect artistic freedom and reduce exposure to arbitrary cancellation or
reputational harm. Sample clauses on political neutrality or cancellation due to protest.
03. Reputational Risk Response Matrix:
How to protect your artist without fuelling controversy and respond proportionately.
How to respond to festivals, funders or media inquiries.
04. Communication Protocols & Templates
Maintain clarity, consistency and professionalism under pressure.
Use Sample Communications Protocols.
05. Case Studies:
The Agent’s Role Under Pressure – what worked, what didn’t and why.
06. Sector Insight:
Common boycott trends and tactics in music, theatre and publishing.