The presentation of the work Exhibit B by South African artist Brett Bailey at the TGP and at 104 in the next few days, has sparked calls for bans and various threats.
This show, which intends to denounce without ambiguity what racism has produced worse by a representation of embodied paintings, was seen in several European cities, in Avignon and 104 in 2013, or just recently in Poitiers, without any incident disturbing its programming or its discovery by spectators who have freely chosen to attend. The League of Human Rights, Mrap, Licra, the Observatory of Creative Freedom, Syndeac and many organizations have rightly and responsibly taken the defense of this show, to invite debate and not censorship.
I give my full support to the artist Brett Bailey as well as to the directors who chose to program this work, Jean Bellorini at the Théâtre Gérard-Philipe in Saint-Denis and José-Manuel Gonçalvès at 104 in Paris.
I strongly reaffirm the fundamental principles of creative freedom and programming that are the pride of our Nation. Having to recall these principles in the event, when they are absolutes of the Republic, gives meaning and urgency to the bill on the freedom of creation, architecture and heritage that I will present to Parliament in 2015.
Indeed, there is no more pressing mission for the representatives of the people than to defend the rights and freedoms that underpin our democracy: guaranteeing freedom of creation and expression, respect for cultural diversity and combating racism and anti-Semitism; guarantee the freedom of cultural practices of each citizen and the equal access of all to the fruits of creation.
I also wish to recall the trust placed by the State in the personalities to whom it entrusts the task of directing its cultural institutions.
France has always prided itself on defending artists and works, on being a land of welcome and freedom for creators around the world. Today we must show ourselves worthy of the legacy of all those who fought for this freedom.
I therefore strongly condemn these attempts at intimidation or censorship, because they are based on amalgams and forms of intolerance that have no right of citing in our Republic.
Paris, 26 November 2014