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, we have, for more than 25 years, been rooted in 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, to support communities, and foster respectful and inclusive cultural spaces.
The fact is 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, and included disciplinary investigations, formal grievance procedures, appeals, 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, despite being presented as such. WoW is deeply concerned by the continuing circulation of inaccurate, incomplete and misleading information, unsupported by evidence, including online commentary, petitions, media briefings, and direct contact with funders, partners, venues, artists and contributors. There continues to be 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.
The trustees are concerned that some of the conduct now taking place has moved beyond lawful protest, legitimate activity and whistleblowing protections and has become intimidating, harassing and damaging to individuals, partners, venues and audiences.
Trustees have been advised that such behaviour, causing 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, with the Festival’s full programme of events continuing as planned throughout May. We are enormously grateful to the artists, contributors, venues, partners, audiences, volunteers, funders and supporters who continue to stand alongside WoW.
WoWFEST26: New World Disorder has lit up May with an extraordinary month of powerful conversations, unforgettable performances and packed audiences across the city. From acclaimed writers and poets to music, theatre and activism, this year’s festival has celebrated the power of storytelling to challenge, connect and inspire.
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.
On behalf of the Trustee Board for Writing on the Wall.
