Following the result of the referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, some of Exeter’s cultural organisations have written a common message reminding residents and visitors alike that all are welcome. Culture has a vital role in bringing people together, providing safe, secure spaces for reflection, expression and enlightenment. The letter reads:
A nation divided. A city divided?
17 million people vote against an establishment position. A younger generation blames an older one for giving away their futures. And there’s a 57% increase in reported hate crime.
In these turbulent times it is hard to find equilibrium. With emotions running so high, tolerance often falls by the wayside.
Culture offers an opportunity for us to celebrate our heritage, diverse and specific. It enables us to hear contrary views given equal weight, exploring complexity. And our spaces allow us to extend a welcome to all.
As leaders of cultural spaces in the city, we want to be clear that we welcome all, regardless of their ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality and political views. You are welcome to read, learn, think, dance, talk, eat, drink, laugh, cry and solve the world’s problems. You’re welcome to a safe place where you can be alone in a crowd.
This offer will always stay open.
Tom Coleman, Director, Unveil’d
Patrick Cunningham, Director, Exeter Phoenix (and director of Phonic FM)
Rosie Denham, Lead Member for Economy and Culture, Exeter City Council
The Very Rev Dr Jonathan Draper, Dean of Exeter
Ciara Eastell, Chief Executive, Libraries Unlimited
Alexei Janssen, Co-Director, The Hall
Paul Jepson, Artistic and Executive Director, Exeter Northcott
David Lockwood, Director, The Bike Shed Theatre
Martin Thomas, Director, Exeter Cultural Partnership
Rosalind Williams, Principal, Cygnet Theatre
The directors of Phonic FM fully endorse this message, and extend the offer to the airwaves. Phonic FM welcomes all, as broadcasters and listeners, and provides a platform for a wide range of cultural expression and experimentation. For more information on ways to get involved with Phonic FM, email info@phonic.fm.
David Treharne, Chair
Patrick Cunningham
Paul Giblin
Edgar Coate
Audaye Elesedy
Pat Bensberg
John Wigzell
http://exeterculturalpartnership.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cultural-spaces-in-exeter-issue-an-open-letter-following-the-resu
https://www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/news/a-letter-from-the-cultural-spaces-in-exeter-in-response-to-the-referendum/