Off Limits? Art, social media and censorship

A panel discussion on art censorship in the age of social media.

While on the surface we live in a culture that appears to be ever more permissive, restrictions on the circulation of images is increasing at a very fast rate. In particular, demands for social media companies to show responsibility is leading to many images being removed.

But what are the implications of this for artists who increasingly need to use social media to build their audiences and careers? Many are now faced with navigating algorithms designed not just to remove unwanted photographs, but even drawings and cartoons.

In addition, a huge amount of historical art represents acts that would be considered objectionable and reprehensible. Can they be circulated online?

As artists and museums move increasingly into the space of the internet, our expert panel discusses where we should place the boundaries between freedom of expression and social responsibility.

Join art historians Amy Werbel and Kyveli Lignou-Tsamantani of the University of York as they examine art censorship with contemporary artists.

Following the discussion, which is chaired by Michael White, Head of the University of York’s Department of the History of Art, there will be a Q&A session.