Statement of Principles

As a not-for-profit arts organisation, Bristol Beacon aims to inspire, explore and create spaces where many voices can be heard and recognised, within the law and in alignment with our charitable objectives and values.

We aspire to ensure freedom of expression and to contribute to a vibrant arts sector where multiple viewpoints are aired and valued.

We are committed to open and honest dialogue with our audiences, artists, and staff. We will always endeavour to listen, learn, and grow together, evolving these principles where necessary.

This statement of principles works alongside our charitable objectives and our values.

Our charitable objectives are:

1. To promote the arts for the benefit of the public
2. To advance education in, and the appreciation of, the arts
3. To provide and operate a concert hall at Bristol BS1 5AR in furtherance of all or any of the charitable objects or purposes specified above for the benefit of the public

Our values are:

COLLABORATION 
Collaboration powers everything, from working across teams to co-creating with communities to building deep partnerships in Bristol and beyond.

INCLUSION 
We are deeply connected to the city we serve. Caring for the spaces in our charge, we embrace the privilege of being a Beacon for all, where everyone is valued and welcomed. Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.

EXCELLENCE 
As an organisation we take pride in delivering outstanding musical experiences every day. We champion aspiration and excellence by supporting artists, audiences, and staff, setting bold standards where music, ideas, and people shine together.

RESILIENCE 
We are bold in our vision, and considerate in our planning. We invest in talent so that Bristol Beacon radiates its values for generations to come. To facilitate this, we are committed to environmental sustainability and organisational resilience.

KINDNESS 
We lead with empathy, act with care, and treat people with respect. Whether in the office, the music centre or on the stage; kindness is how we build trust and togetherness.

Artistic Programming 
Music and the arts have the power to spark courageous conversations. It is important to present a complex range of views, and forms of expression for exploration and debate.
We make our programming choices in line with our charitable objectives and values, and endeavour to represent a broad range of communities.

As a charitable organisation, Bristol Beacon is required by the Charity Commission to remain politically neutral. Our relationship with any artist or organisation does not mean that we support their political views, but we do support their general right to express them. We prohibit events promoting hate speech, discrimination, violence, or any other activity which would harm Bristol Beacon’s ability to achieve its charitable objectives and/or be in conflict with our principles and values.

We believe that, while the work presented in our spaces must be within the limits of the law, we may feature artists who present critiques of, and challenges to, the law. Artists’ freedom of expression includes the right to express opinions and to critique governmental bodies, funders/sponsors and arts and cultural organisations, as well as holding conversations about social issues.

As programmers and curators, we appreciate that our audiences may have expectations and sensitivities in relation to the content of our programme. Where possible we will manage this through good communication and signposting, while avoiding limitations on artistic freedom.

Artists have the right not to proceed with their own event, though this should not be imposed through intimidation, bullying, unreasonable accusations or actions against Bristol Beacon and its staff, other artists, audiences or employees. Cancellation of an event will be managed in accordance with the cancellation terms agreed at point of contract.

Funding and Sponsorship  
Sponsorships and strategic partnerships support Bristol Beacon, whether that be through direct funding, by growing the reach and visibility of our work and purpose, through commitments to deliver positive social and community impact or through initiatives which enhance the experiences of our audiences.

In accordance with rules set out by the Charity Commission, we have a responsibility to accept funds that further our charitable objectives. There must be clear and legal justification for any refusal of sponsorship, funding or donations.

When it comes to accepting funding and sponsorship, we commit to the following:

1. Due diligence on all significant donations and sponsorships ensuring they are not in conflict with Bristol Beacon’s charitable objectives and/or values.
2. Refusing or ending funding/sponsorships if a funder or sponsor’s direct activity clearly contradicts Bristol Beacon’s charity’s objectives and values, the funder/sponsor engages in illegal activity or a funder/sponsor seeks to interfere in programming or artistic choices.

Commercial Revenue 
Alongside our artistic programme, we host a wide range of private events including conferences, meetings and parties. This income directly supports our charitable activities and our operating costs. While we continue to grow and diversify our commercial income streams, we will work to the following principles:

1. Our relationship with any organisation does not mean that we support their views.
2. We prohibit events promoting hate speech, discrimination, violence, or any other activity which would harm our ability to achieve Bristol Beacon’s charitable objectives and/or values.
3. We reserve the right to cancel any events which we have reason to believe will be in breach of Bristol Beacon’s charitable objectives and/or values, even after the point of contract. We expect everybody, whether working here or visiting, to abide by these expectations.
4. We may need to decline a commercial booking if we believe it will potentially impact our ability to fundraise or gain sponsorship.

Our staff  
Just as we support our artists’ freedom of expression, we support our staff members’ right to hold and express their own beliefs and opinions, within the law and the limits of any contractual obligations.

As a charitable organisation, Bristol Beacon is required by the Charity Commission to remain politically neutral. Staff must ensure that they do not express their own opinions in ways which make it seem as though their views are the views of Bristol Beacon, cause unnecessary offence to others, or bring Bristol Beacon into disrepute.

Alongside this, we:

1. Acknowledge that ensuring artistic freedom of expression means that sometimes artists may express an opinion which staff do not agree with. Not withstanding that, when an opinion is within the law and is not in conflict with Bristol Beacon’s charitable objectives or values, we support the artist’s right to express their view.
2. Engage with staff who challenge Bristol Beacon if they feel the wrong decision has been made and work with us to listen, learn, and grow, evolving these principles where necessary.
3. Support our staff members’ right to protest a decision, within the limits of the law, and within the terms of their contract of employment.
4. Will work with staff to allow them to withdraw from involvement in projects that they feel uncomfortable with, as long as this is feasible within their role.