Arts industry ‘damaging themselves’ with political ideology: Rita Panahi

Sky News host Rita Panahi has urged arts organisations to produce content with “broader appeal” if they want to attract the wider community. This comes as the Sydney Theatre Company faces a worsening financial situation in the wake of a pro-Palestine demonstration which was staged during a play. It is reported between 15 and 20 positions are at risk, and seven roles have already been identified for redundancy. “I’m talking about stripping out that political ideology that is often so vapid and boring,” Ms Panahi said. “The half of the country that considers itself conservative, or centre-right ... you’re missing out on that market.” “They really are damaging themselves and this is just another example of that.”