The temporary exhibition was closed for three days before reopening with some changes
The M Shed is run by the city council(Image: Michael Lloyd Photography)
Bristol City Council has apologised after an art exhibition criticising the arms industry in the M Shed was temporarily shut down. For three days the exhibition on the top floor of the Harbourside museum was closed “while seeking advice”, before then reopening with changes.
Last month the council ordered the art exhibition to be shut down a day after opening. The Anatomy of Solidarity exhibition then reopened but with names and faces reportedly cut out from artworks critical of defence companies in Bristol, like BAE Systems and Elbit Systems. Both companies sell weapons to Israel, which a UN report has accused of committing genocide in Gaza.
The apology formed part of written answers to public questions for the strategy and resources policy committee, on Monday, April 13. They were not attributed to a specific councillor or member of staff, but denied that museum exhibitions were “subject to political decision-making”.
In the answers, a council spokesperson said: “Firstly we’d like to apologise for the way that the situation around this exhibition unfolded. There is no discreet policy for M Shed. M Shed operates within the guidelines of the Museums Association policies and relevant council policies.
“No formalised policy was applied in this instance, however a discussion on policy approach was held and a decision made by the M Shed museum management team and senior officers. Consequently, processes will be improved to ensure a similar situation doesn’t arise in future.
“The decision to close the exhibition for three days whilst seeking advice was taken by the M Shed team, and endorsed by senior officers, due to the need to understand any risks involved. The exhibition was re-opened as soon as these were understood.”
The M Shed is now home to the statue of Edward Colston, which was torn down by protesters and thrown in the harbour. The museum displays exhibits from Bristol’s industrial heritage, and is set for an upgrade costing £1 million. The council runs several other museums across the city: the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Blaise Museum, the Georgian House and Red Lodge.
The spokesperson added: “Museums are spaces where people can encounter new ideas, share experiences, and explore the world from different perspectives. Our museum programming team works closely with artists and local community groups to give them the opportunity to express themselves and connect with others.
“We are committed to creating environments where diverse voices are welcomed, respected and heard. These aims sit alongside our obligation to ensure we balance freedom of speech and a duty to prevent harm to people and property. The contents of exhibitions in our museums are not subject to political decision-making.”
Also last month, Elbit Systems denied that any arms or military equipment worked on at the company’s sites in Bristol supply Israel. A company spokesperson said Elbit was proud that local employees provide support and technology to the UK’s military.