A Brighton council has sparked controversy after cancelling an exhibition featuring a reimagined Union Flag designed to celebrate Britain's ethnic diversity, following concerns expressed by minority groups.
Artwork Celebrating Diversity
The exhibition featured artist Gil Mualem-Doron's New Union Flag, created using textiles from diverse ethnic communities to represent modern Britain's multicultural identity. The artwork had previously enjoyed successful displays at prestigious institutions including Tate Modern, Southbank Centre and Liverpool Museum before its scheduled appearance at Brighton's main library.
Council's Controversial Decision
Brighton and Hove City Council made the surprising decision to cancel the exhibition after minority groups expressed fears that 'displaying national flags could be taken out of their artistic context'. Council leader Bella Sankey defended the move, stating their libraries had been recognised as Libraries of Sanctuary and needed to remain 'neutral spaces and a safe space for all our customers'.
The irony wasn't lost on residents, who pointed out that the same council had commissioned the artist's work two years earlier for a citywide public art initiative displayed at bus stops across Brighton.
Public Backlash and Criticism
Local residents have branded the council 'a laughing stock' and accused officials of 'political posturing'. Jonathan Dean, 55, called the situation 'absolutely farcical', noting: 'An anti-racist flag is cancelled because it is deemed to be racist.'
Femi Adebayo expressed disbelief that taxpayers' money was used to commission the exhibition only for it to be later cancelled. Laura King questioned the council's sudden commitment to neutrality, asking: 'Well where was their neutrality when it came to deciding to spend taxpayers' money on tampering with our national flag?'
A spokesperson for Stand Up to Racism voiced concern, stating: 'When a public library in a progressive city cannot host a flag celebrating diversity, we should be concerned.'
Dr Mualem-Doron, who describes his work as art with a social conscience, expressed his disappointment at the council's reversal, highlighting the contradiction between their previous commissioning and current cancellation of the same artwork.
