Union flag exhibition at Brighton library axed over concerns it would cause offence
A library exhibition featuring an interpretation of the Union flag celebrating the UK’s diversity has been withdrawn due to concerns it might offend visitors.
Artist Gil Mualem-Doron’s New Union Flag, created in collaboration with Stand up to Racism and supporting the rich cultural diversity in the country, was to be exhibited at the Jubilee Library in Brighton.
But he said Telegram The show had been unexpectedly canceled after Brighton and Hove Council warned that the show could be “taken out of its artistic context” and “could put visitors and their belongings at risk”.
Mr Mualem-Doron called the move “censorship” and told the paper he was considering starting a petition in protest. The work has previously been exhibited at the Liverpool Museum and Southbank Centre, as well as the Jubilee Library.
“In a phone call and subsequent letter, staff explained that the exhibition ‘could put visitors and their belongings at risk’,” he said. “They added that, unlike a gallery or museum, library visitors may encounter and be taken in by the work in unexpected ways.”
The artist told Telegram He said the move “frightened” him, adding: “Because if you can’t show this kind of flag, which is about diversity and is displayed across the country with the contribution of hundreds of people from Brighton and further afield… if you can’t show it in Brighton, which is a very progressive city, a city of sanctuary, that scares me. That’s absolutely censorship.”
Collaborators Stand Against Racism said: “If a public library in a progressive city cannot host a flag celebrating diversity, we should be concerned.”
But council leader Bella Sankey insisted the decision was necessary. In one comment he said: “As parliamentary buildings, our libraries need to remain neutral grounds and a safe space for all our patrons.
“Our libraries have become known as Bible Libraries, something we are very proud of and eager to continue.”
