Superstruct Entertainment has launched an Artistic Code, bringing together the principles that guide artistic programming across its portfolio of more than 80 festival and live event brands globally.

Unveiled at the International Festival Forum in London, the Superstruct Artistic Code is a demonstration of the company’s longstanding support for artistic freedom and the creative independence of its festivals.

Superstruct believes festivals should be places where artists can challenge, provoke and express different points of view. Live events are spontaneous by nature. The Artistic Code protects that space for expression while giving artists and festival teams a shared approach from booking through to show day.

At its heart are four principles: protecting artistic freedom within the law; creating safe and welcoming spaces; ensuring programming and partnerships reflect Superstruct’s values; and promoting inclusivity and fairness. In practice, this means no censorship of artists simply because their views are controversial, zero tolerance for discrimination or behaviour that puts people at risk, and no alignment with campaigns of incitement or movements motivated by intolerance.

Drawing on decades of experience across different festivals, countries and cultures, the code translates these  principles into practical guidance across booking, contracting and live performance. It makes clear that Superstruct does not operate banned lists and that performances should only be interrupted where there is a safety reason to do so, while respecting the identity and creative independence of every festival in its portfolio.

Rebecca Kane Burton, chief operating officer at Superstruct Entertainment, said: “Artistic freedom sits at the heart of our festivals. They are places for artists to express themselves, challenge ideas and bring different points of view to audiences.

“We believe strongly in backing that freedom. The Artistic Code makes our position clear and gives artists and our festival teams shared principles to work from, with creative independence at the heart of them.

“We’re making it public because we want to share what we’ve learned and contributepositively to the wider industry conversation.”

The Artistic Code will evolve alongside Superstruct’s festivals and the wider cultural landscape, informed by experience and continued discussion across the industry.

Image: Tramlines/Matt Higgs