Arts Council England to update ‘activist statements’ guidance after backlash

Funding body says it believes in freedom of expression, after policy changes sparked fears of censorship of artists

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced it will update guidance warning that “political statements” could break funding agreements, after a backlash from the arts and culture sector.

A series of recent updates to ACE policies had advised organisations that it funds to be wary of “overtly political or activist” statements made in a personal capacity by people linked to them.