Social Cohesion vs. Artistic Freedom

Drinks with Dr Leslie Cannold

Hosted by Dr Marianne Broadbent

Join us for a thought‑provoking evening with acclaimed ethicist, writer and public intellectual Dr Leslie Cannold, as she delves into this controversial and pressing cultural question: Social Cohesion vs. Artistic Freedom. In an age marked by rapidly shifting social norms, polarised debates and heightened sensitivities, how do we strike a balance between protecting communal harmony and upholding the artist’s right to challenge, provoke, and inspire?

Drawing on her expertise in ethics, public policy, and civic engagement, Dr Cannold will navigate the tensions between creativity and responsibility, offering insights that will resonate with artists, arts organisations and their boards, audiences, academics, policymakers; and anyone concerned with the fabric of a healthy democracy.

This promises to be a lively, engaging event that encourages bold conversation and fresh perspectives on how art can both unite and unsettle us.

Dr Leslie Cannold is an Associate Professor of Impact and Resident Ethicist at the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership based at Monash University. She was a health regulator for more than a decade and the Chair of the Ethics and Research Committee at the Department of Health, and at Marie Stopes International in London. She's written an historical novel and numerous non-fiction books on women's reproductive decision-making and advocated successfully to remove the effective ban on RU486 and to remove abortion from Victoria's criminal code.

You've likely heard her talking about ethics on ABC774’s drive program, in the pages of the various newspapers, or ABCTV's Q & A or Moral Compass programs. These days, you can find her writerly musings on Substack at Unreceived Wisdom.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this important dialogue.