Useful Contacts and Finding the Right Support
This section lists contacts that artists and organisations involved in FITA’s work have found useful when facing boycott pressure, cancellation or reputational harm.
It is not intended to be exhaustive.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY AND RISK
If you feel unsafe, threatened or at risk of harm
- Emergency services
If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999.
- Police (non-emergency)
To report threats, stalking or harassment: 101.
- Suzy Lamplugh Trust – National Stalking Helpline
Advice on stalking, harassment and personal safety.
Helpline: 0808 802 0300
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/
REPRESENTATION, ADVICE AND SECTOR SUPPORT
Freedom in the Arts
Freedom in the Arts supports artists across all art forms and all contested issues.
FITA can help with:
- Confidential guidance on freedom of expression in the arts
- Understanding pressure, cancellation and boycott dynamics
- Signposting to appropriate legal, professional or wellbeing support
- Referrals where specialist advice is needed
FITA does not require artists to take any political position.
Free Speech Union
The Free Speech Union supports individuals facing professional or reputational consequences linked to lawful expression.
Important to know:
- Support is provided through membership
- Once a member, individuals may be assigned a case worker
- Cases involving the arts may be supported through an arts legal fund co-managed by the Free Speech Union and Freedom in the Arts
FITA can help artists understand whether this route may be appropriate and how to access it.
Friends in the Arts
Friends in the Arts supports Jewish artists and artistic work and works closely with Freedom in the Arts.
They offer:
- Peer support and advocacy
- Understanding of antisemitism and identity-based exclusion in the arts
- Support that recognises both artistic and cultural context
This may be particularly relevant for Jewish artists experiencing boycott-related pressure.
LEGAL INFORMATION AND FREE EXPRESSION FRAMEWORKS
Index on Censorship
Index on Censorship provides research, commentary and advocacy on freedom of expression and artistic freedom.
It can be useful for:
- Understanding wider free expression debates
- Contextualising censorship issues in the arts
Index does not provide legal advice or case support and is best used as a source of information rather than practical help during a live situation.
The Office for Students
Regulatory advice 24: Guidance related to freedom of speech – Office for Students
This guidance issued by the Office for Students in November 2025 explains the regulatory expectations under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. Aimed at higher education providers in England and their governing bodies, senior leaders and policy teams, the guidance;
- Provides a practical decision-making framework to assess whether speech is lawful, reasonably practicable to secure or lawfully restrictable.
- Gives examples of good practice across governance, policies, teaching, research and speaker events.
It is not legal advice, but a key reference for demonstrating compliance and avoiding regulatory action.
WELLBEING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
Thoughtful Therapists
https://www.thoughtfultherapists.com/
Thoughtful Therapists provide wellbeing and mental health support.
They are experienced in working with:
- Artists and creative professionals
- People experiencing public pressure or reputational stress
- Situations involving anxiety, fear or exhaustion
This is not crisis support but can be valuable for ongoing wellbeing and resilience.
PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND TRADE ORGANISATIONS
Agents, managers and promoters may also wish to consult relevant professional bodies for guidance or peer support. Experiences of support vary.
Association of Independent Promoters
Association of British Agents
Publishers Association
Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority
GENDER CRITICAL ARTS NETWORKS
Sex Equality and Equity Network (SEEN) in Publishing
SEEN In the Arts
A NOTE ON JUDGEMENT
No single organisation can resolve boycott pressure alone. Use these resources selectively. Seeking advice is a sign of responsibility, not weakness.
FINDING LEGAL SUPPORT: PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR ARTISTS
If your work, contract or reputation is affected, legal advice can be important. This does not mean you are escalating a situation.
When to consider legal advice
- A venue, publisher or funder proposes cancellation or withdrawal
- Payment or future bookings are threatened
- You are asked to sign statements, declarations or conditions
- Allegations are made publicly or privately
What kind of lawyer to look for
- Employment or contract lawyers
- Solicitors with experience in arts, media or creative industries
- Lawyers familiar with reputational risk and defamation
Good first steps
- Ask whether an initial consultation is available
- Clarify costs before proceeding
- Keep records and documents ready
- Avoid sharing legal correspondence publicly
A NOTE ON CHOOSING REPRESENTATION
You are entitled to choose legal or professional support that:
- Understands your context
- Respects your boundaries
- Does not require ideological alignment
If a particular route does not feel right, it is reasonable to seek alternatives.
A FINAL REASSURANCE
- You are not required to navigate this alone
- Seeking advice is professional, not defensive
- You do not need to agree with anyone’s politics to protect yourself
- Start with what feels safest and most useful