Christopher BarrettSuperstruct Entertainment has published an Artistic Code, which outlines support for artistic expression and the creative independence of its festivals.
The world’s second biggest festival promoter, headquartered in London, is responsible for more than 80 event brands globally. Acquired by KKR for a reported €1.3 billion (£1.1bn) in 2024, Superstruct’s festivals have previously been subject to artist protests and performers pulling out in response to campaigns that highlighted KKR’s links to Israel, including Israeli corporations operating in occupied Palestinian territories.
Superstruct said its new Artistic Code explains the company’s stance that festivals should be places where artists can challenge, provoke and express different points of view. It said the code is built around 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,” said the promoter.
The code states that artists may use flags, symbols or political imagery as part of their performance, and that artists who perform at Superstruct events may express views, take political positions or make statements that it may not agree with: “That is their right. We do not censor or editorially control performances to ensure alignment with our group values or commercial interests.”
The code, which provides practical guidance across booking, contracting and live performance, states 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.
Superstruct Entertainment chief operating officer Rebecca Kane Burton 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 contribute positively to the wider industry conversation.”
Superstruct’s festivals include the UK’s Mighty Hoopla (pictured), Boardmasters and Lost Village, Germany’s Wacken Open Air, Øya in Norway and Spain’s Arenal Sound.