Dr. Eugenie Shinkle
Senior Lecturer in Photographic Theory and Criticism
School of Media, Arts and Design
University of Westminster
Watford Road, Northwick Park
Harrow, Middlesex
HA1 3TP


Indeks 73 - Polish initiative aimed at protecting freedom of artistic expression and scientific research is deeply concerned about the fact that Simon Burgess is facing disciplinary action for introducing students to the work of photographic artist Del LaGrace Volcano.

The demands to punish Burgess are nothing else than the act of censorship directed against the Art. 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which guarantees that: “Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”

We strongly support artist’s right to provocative voice and lecturer’s right to teach without censorship.

We will monitor this case with hope that the freedom of art at East Surrey College will remain unrestricted.


Sincerely,

Lidia Makowska - Cultural policy expert, former board member of the European Forum of the Arts and Heritage (2004-2006), art and social activist, chairwoman of Kultura Miejska Gdansk.

Agnieszka Kaim - Art and social activist, censorship researcher, coordinator of the Indeks 73 Initiative.

on behalf of
Indeks 73 - Polish initiative aimed at protecting freedom of artistic expression
ul. Dekerta 3/9, 80-262 Gdańsk, Poland
www.indeks73.pl