All art and culture has something to say about the world we live in or how we live – ideas and views and purpose connect people with our work. However, in a context of rapid sharing across social platforms, and increasingly polarised opinions, we can’t control what the reaction will be, or if the response will include hate or abuse.

 

In this webinar we’ll seek to share understanding of the current situation, and what’s happening in and around arts and culture. We’ll consider the impact of online harms on the sector, whether directed at organisations or at individuals.

 

We’ll take a practical look at what recourses are available if hate or abuse is directed at you, and what is and isn’t included in the forthcoming Online Safety Bill.

 

Finally, we’ll use the opportunity to discuss what could be done to improve the quality of discussion and debate around arts and culture and explore how the sector and those within it might offer support and extend allyship where needed.

 

Webinar speakers

The webinar will be hosted by Amanda Parker . Amanda is an arts policy consultant, strategist and inclusive changemaker for the cultural and creative industries. Winner of awards including CRE Race in the Media, MIND Mental Health in the Media and an RTS award for Best Education Campaign, her clients and partners range from theatres and museums to festivals and broadcasters.

 

Amanda will be joined by:

 

Andrew Ogun

Andrew is the Agent of Change at Arts Council of Wales, with a remit to make sure access to the Arts Council’s activities, services and funding are fairer and more equal. He is also a musician, writer, designer and activist. His activism includes coordinating and organising for Black Lives Matter Gwent, focused on community-based initiatives and the wellbeing of communities.

 

Sean Egan

Sean is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience advising clients in theatre, film arts and other creative industries. Sean is also currently chair of Fuel Theatre.

 

Fiona Morris, CEO and Creative Director of The Space

Fiona is as a music and arts producer who has over 25 years’ experience producing and commissioning programmes. She works with cultural institutions in the UK and beyond and has provided extensive consultancy on the arts and the digital world.

 

Who it’s for
This webinar is intended for arts and cultural professionals and individual artists.
It will be particularly relevant to organisation leaders and board members, those in comms or digital roles, or anyone who has a duty of care to staff, freelancers and associates.

 

Notes:
In this webinar we’ll be dealing with some difficult issues, which may have affected panelists and participants. The steps we will take to ensure positive communication and a non-judgemental environment will include:

• Limiting the number of spaces for this webinar.
• Verifying details of those who sign up to join the webinar.
• Providing a group session at the end of the webinar for anyone who has been affected by the issues raised.

 

Additional information

• The webinar lasts 90 minutes and will take place on Zoom. The link to register is below.
• There will be a live captioner throughout.
• The session is delivered in a webinar format so your camera and microphone are disabled. However, we welcome interactions in the chat.
• When you book your place you’ll be able to post questions for our speakers to help plan the webinar.
• A recording of the webinar will be made available after the event on The Space’s YouTube channel.