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Union hits out after photographers barred from exhibition

The National Union of Journalists has written a letter of objection to a council after it emerged that photographers from a regional daily were barred from taking photos of an art exhibition.

The South Wales Argus was prevented from taking photographs earlier this year at the last temporary exhibition at Newport Art Gallery before Newport City Council stopped the scheme.

Now the union has written to council leader Bob Bright to hit out at the move, saying it was “seriously concerned” by the decision.

The paper reported at the time that Mr Bright had denied the paper the chance to photograph the last temporary exhibition, which was by artist David Garner.

The NUJ’s letter by John Toner, national organiser for freelance and Wales, said: “Allegations of censorship have been made, and in the absence of a reason for this decision, it is difficult to agree.

“As I write, no explanation has been given, and we are seriously concerned by the decision and its implications for press freedom.

“We urge you to give a public explanation for your decision, and an assurance that you will not interfere in the right of journalists to report on matters of public interest.”

In an editorial following the photo ban, Argus editor Kevin Ward said the paper had been given no reasons for the refusal and described it as a “poor decision”.

He wrote: “There appears to be absolutely no logic attached to the decision. Why not let us take pictures? The artist was happy for us to do so. Indeed, he sent us images of his exhibits when he heard we were not being allowed in.”

The council ended its contemporary art programme at the gallery to save £40,000 after its funding was cut and said the move would allow it to display more works from its permanent collection.

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  • November 4, 2013 at 12:21 pm
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    Why not just arrange a picture outside the gallery with the artist and a couple of pieces of his work? The council couldn’t stop that…

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  • November 15, 2013 at 3:22 pm
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    @UnhappySnapper

    The council shouldn’t have been able to stop it inside the gallery either. They had no mandate.

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