Silence is the Language of Fear
Rani Kasapi, Head of Exhibitions at The National Museums of World Culture, Sweden, argues that cultural institutions play a critical role in times of political instability.
”Culture is not an accessory to society. It is its lifeblood, reflective conscience, and imaginative compass. A book I recently encountered, No Culture, No Europe: On the Foundations of Politics (2015), edited by Pascal Gielen, argues that democracy is fundamentally a cultural phenomenon—a matter of shared values, identity, and meaning. Culture is the very foundation upon which societies are built.
Our world is deeply polarized. Words like neutrality and objectivity are often conflated, leading to confusion and hesitation. Independent curator and author of The Art Institution of Tomorrow: Reinventing the Model (2024), Fatoş Üstek, observes that in the face of multilayered crises, art institutions often find themselves constrained by financial pressures, overworked staff, and a growing fear of public and political scrutiny. Institutions that once thrived on unpredictability and boldness now find themselves cautious, subordinating their missions to external pressures.
This observation raises a critical question: Have we, in our survival instinct, abandoned the very essence of cultural selfhood? Are we so focused on staying afloat that the intangible value of culture has become even harder to make space for within the context of emergency-driven policymaking? Have we forgotten how to stand for the unexpected and the transformative nature of art?
Around the world, cultural institutions are being pressured to conform to narrow political narratives, often at the expense of artistic freedom and critical inquiry, as the cancellation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre revealed. The production faced challenges over its inclusion of political themes—issues like trans rights and Free Palestine graffiti on stage. The management prioritized avoiding controversy, canceling the production just before the opening night.
Cultural institutions are not neutral observers of society. In times of political instability and polarization, our work is more important than ever. We must embrace our role as platforms for dialogue, even when it provokes strong opinions. To retreat from controversial issues is not neutrality. It is silence, and silence is the language of the privileged and of fear. We must advocate for the right to engage with difficult topics—not as an act of opposition, but as a fulfillment of our democratic mandate.
Today, the immediate role of artists and cultural workers can feel abstract or hard to pin down. What was once considered a basic principle of artistic freedom and freedom of expression is now being labeled as activism.
History shows that cultural movements have been vital to societal progress. Whether it’s the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, or the counterculture of the 1960s, art has consistently shaped critical thought and innovation. Yet today, the immediate role of artists and cultural workers can feel abstract or hard to pin down. What was once considered a basic principle of artistic freedom and freedom of expression is now being labeled as activism.
No single institution can address these challenges alone. Collaboration across institutions and disciplines allows us to ground our work in diverse perspectives while strengthening our ability to weather criticism. The ‘Silenced Perspectives: Freedom of Expression Amidst the Israel-Palestine Conflict’ program at Amos Rex at the end of November last year was a much-needed initiative. It brought artists, activists, and practitioners together to discuss censorship and its implications for the art world and broader society.
To reclaim our role as arenas for dialogue we must ask ourselves some fundamental questions: What do we stand for? What is our most essential contribution to society? One guiding principle is grounding our work in democratic values and human rights. These frameworks—enshrined in international conventions and national laws—provide a strong foundation for navigating disputed topics. We need introspection, dialogue, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. What we have is an opportunity—a chance to redefine the role of culture in a rapidly changing world.”
