Dear Partners and Supporters,
This statement is to provide an update on the current situation affecting Writing on the Wall and to address misinformation that is being circulated publicly and online, and to thank you for your support to date.
As you know, Writing on the Wall has, for more than 25 years, been founded on principles of inclusion, equality, creativity and social justice. Our trustees, management team, volunteers, artists, partners and supporters have worked consistently to create opportunities for underrepresented voices, support communities, and foster respectful and inclusive cultural spaces.
We wish to be clear that the claim that former employees were dismissed for whistleblowing is untrue. The dismissals followed an extensive HR-supported process involving external HR advisers, independent legal advice, that included disciplinary investigations, formal grievance procedures, appeals, and trustee oversight over a prolonged period. The eventual dismissals took place under a “Some Other Substantial Reason” process, following the conclusion that trust and confidence within the employment relationship had irretrievably broken down.
We also wish to be clear that the matter is not an official trade union dispute. It is being presented publicly by a small group of protesters, but we understand that this activity is not part of any official trade union process or authorised union action.
WoW is deeply concerned by the continuing circulation of inaccurate and misleading information, including online commentary, petitions, media briefings, and direct contact with funders, partners, venues, artists and contributors. This information is inaccurate, incomplete, or unsupported by evidence.
The organisation is also increasingly concerned by the behaviour of a small group associated with this activity, including repeated anonymous emails, letters sent to workplaces, handwritten notes delivered to private homes, and pressure placed on venues, artists, contributors and partners to withdraw support or cancel involvement with WoW. Trustees consider this conduct to have caused significant distress to individuals and organisations connected with WoW.
WoW fully respects lawful protest, legitimate trade union activity and whistleblowing protections. However, trustees are concerned that some of the conduct now taking place has moved far beyond those legitimate boundaries and has become intimidating, harassing and damaging to individuals, partners, venues and audiences.
Trustees have been advised that repeated unwanted communications, targeted intimidation, anonymous correspondence, and behaviour intended to cause alarm or distress may amount to harassment. WoW is therefore taking advice on all appropriate steps available to protect staff, trustees, volunteers, audiences, partners, venues, artists and contributors from further intimidation or harassment.
Despite these challenges, WoW remains focused on its mission and values. The WoW Festival is continuing as planned throughout May, with a full programme of events. We are enormously grateful to the artists, contributors, venues, partners, audiences, volunteers, funders and supporters who continue to stand alongside WoW.
We remain committed to ensuring that WoW continues to provide safe, inclusive and welcoming spaces for communities, writers, artists, women and audiences.
We’d like to put on record our thanks to all our staff, volunteers, project participants and audiences for their hard work, support, and commitment to successfully delivering WoW’s festival events and projects.
