ARTISTS from Southend took to the streets to protest the arrest of Cuban artists who previously visited the town.

Artists and directors from Metal at Chalkwell Hall attended a protest at the Tate Modern in London on Thursday, protesting the decision to arrest of 13 Cuban artists, including Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Yanelys Nuñez Leyva.

The artists, who are heads of The Museum of Dissidence in the country, previously visited Metal in October to collect the 2018 Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Awards for Arts, which they won earlier this year.

The artists were peacefully protesting the introduction of Decree 349 - a law due to come into force this month which gives the Cuban Ministry of Culture increased power to censor, issue fines and confiscate materials for work of which they do not approve.

They have since been released but remain under police surveillance.

Colette Bailey, artistic director and chief executive of Metal, has condemned the arrests and Decree 349.

She said: “Our colleagues and friends Yanelys and Luis Manuel of The Museum of Dissidence were arrested in Cuba, for peacefully protesting an act which could oppress thousands of people.

“Both artists were in residence here in Southend earlier this year, in partnership with Index on Censorship.

“We stand in solidarity with these incredible artists, who are continuing to fight for freedom of expression and the rights of artists across the world.

“It really brings the issue home for us, and so many others in Southend. When you meet these people, you realise they are so much like us.

“They want the same things, to live free, to be successful, and to have the opportunity to share their own views.”

Index on Censorship is a non-profit organisation based in London that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide.

It publishes work by censored writers and artists, promotes debate, and monitors threats to free speech.

Ms Bailey added: “There is a global acceleration of censorship and repression of artists, journalists and academics.

“During these intrinsically linked turbulent times, we must join together to defend our right to debate, communicate and support one another.”