Huge turnout at conference on antisemitism in the arts

A crowd of more than 150 Jewish and allied artists, writers, musicians, producers and arts professional met in London on Sunday for UNCANCELLED – Jews in the Arts, a conference tackling the escalating antisemitism facing creatives across the UK.

The high-energy, solutions-driven, half-day conference hosted by Friends In the Arts (FIA), showcased a growing coalition of organisations —including Freedom in the Arts (FITA) and partners — working together to provide new tools, data and clarity for those encountering discrimination, exclusion or cancellations in the UK arts scene.

Friends in the Arts was formed earlier this year in response to the rising tide of antisemitism in the UK arts scene, to build a place where people could feel heard, supported and guided.

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Billed as being “fearless, proud and determined”, the event proposed a programme of solutions. Opening the conference, FIA Director Natalie Stone addressed the sharp rise in hostility within cultural workplaces, saying: “Friends in the Arts is here to guide, support and advocate for anyone in the creative industries facing antisemitism.”

The day brought together speakers from publishing, comedy, theatre, film, TV, music and fashion, alongside safety specialists.

She said: “Our initiative is taking a small step towards shifting how the arts sector understands and addresses antisemitism. Since taking on this role only a few months ago, I’ve discovered a strength in our community which cannot be underestimated. Our unity builds confidence and fortifies our resilience. We know that people feel isolated when facing discrimination and don’t know where to turn. Our message is clear. You are not alone and there is help out there.”

“The arts should be a place of freedom and beauty, not fear and exclusion,” said Rosie Kay of FITA. “If we hold our nerve and work together, we can build an arts world that is brave again, free again, and unapologetically human.”

Larry Finlay spoke about the work of the Jewish Publishing Circle. “Cultural boycotts run completely against the spirit of books.” he said.

FIA introduced its initiative, Friends in the Arts Incident Support System, which provides a space for online reporting, along with a safety and support platform, that guides artists through incident logging, referrals and practical next steps with partner organisations.

“People feel isolated when facing discrimination and don’t know which organisation to turn to. Our message is clear: you are not alone — and there are robust systems ready to support you, and organisations ready to stand by you.”

The new system provides a space for confidential reporting, with each case logged with the CST; structured next steps, including escalation inside organisations; access to specialist advisers and guidance for freelancers, who often lack institutional protection and support in identifying safe and inclusive venues contact

Actor Louisa Clein closed the conference with a powerful reflection on belonging and visibility in the arts. “Representation isn’t only the stage we share – it’s the world behind it,” she said. “The green rooms, the corridors, the quiet moments of honesty and courage. Sometimes belonging is simply this: knowing we are not alone.”

The response from attendees was hugely positive.

“Being here made me feel quite emotional… providing me with an overwhelming sense that there is a community to lean on here.” said one. It was “a sobering and inspiring event,” said another.

“This has given me strength to go on despite the trouble in the children’s author world” said an author, while another attendee agreed, saying: “it is uplifting that such a supportive organisation exists.”