Standing Together Against Racism and Hate

Scottish Artists Union stands in solidarity with everyone affected by the recent racist and anti-migrant violence and intimidation.

Racism, xenophobia and hate have no place in our communities, workplaces or cultural spaces. We unequivocally condemn those responsible for these acts of violence and intimidation.

As a trade union, we are not only concerned by the harm caused to those who were directly targeted, but also by the wider impact that these harmful acts have on people's ability to live, work and participate fully in society.

Scotland's visual and applied arts sector is shaped, enriched and enlivened by people from many different backgrounds, experiences and traditions. The freedom, and right, to create, participate and contribute to cultural life belongs to everyone.

However, malevolent attempts to make any community feel unsafe or unwelcome diminishes our democracy, and destroys the fabric of our society.

We stand with those affected, and with the communities, organisations and trade unions working to challenge racism and hate.

We are encouraged by the solidarity shown by communities across Scotland who continue to demonstrate that racism, violence and intimidation have no place in our society.

SAU remains committed to a sector and society founded on dignity, equality and solidarity.

Care and solidarity for all.

Join SAU members at the Stand Up To Racism demonstration in Glasgow on Saturday 13 June at 1pm, Buchanan Steps, Glasgow.

*We want to thank all SAU members who joined the demonstration in Glasgow. It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout, with communities, organisations and trade unions coming together in solidarity against racism, hate and intimidation.*

Update

Following the recent anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh, we are republishing this statement in full. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected and echo the STUC's statement condemning racism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate in our communities. If you are able to do so, we encourage members to attend Reclaim Our Streets: Edinburgh is Anti-Racist, taking place on Saturday 27 June at 1pm in Montgomery Street Park, Leith.