As the space for free expression continues to shrink, more artists are subjected to prosecution, censorship and silencing of their critical voice and imagination. Many of us are engaged in providing protection for these artists and enhancing free expression policies and environments. Yet, there is an urgency to coordinate our efforts and advocate for higher resources for the protection of artists at risk. Hence this new initiative. Attached is a two-pager concept note that outlines our thinking on it. We are offering it as initial thoughts that require your input, knowledge, resources and experience in working on universal rights and justice issues.
Mimeta would like to invite you as a funding partner to a meeting on Thursday 23rd March 11:30 – 16:00 (lunch included, venue tbc) to discuss this Artist at Risk funding Initiative, and confirm partnerships with those interested. The meeting will take place in cooperation with and around ICORN annual network meeting, 22-24 March in Brussels.
Many donors, policy makers, organizations, networks and artists, engaged in cultural rights from around the world, will already be present in this ICORN meeting, so we feel it is a prime event to hold our proposed donor meeting around. We encourage you to also join the ICORN annual meeting, if you are not already doing so. At the bottom of this email you will find more information about MIMETA, ICORN and the ICORN annual meeting, for those who are not familiar with them.
The meeting we are inviting you to will be self-funded, but ICORN have kindly offered to provide the venue, and the possibility to use the hotel and meals offers they have secured for their network meeting event. If you want to benefit from the latter, and take part in the ICORN network event, you need to register here, for a fee of €550 (all events, meals and two nights accommodation included) by 5 February. ICORN already have more than 200 guests registered, so please don’t delay your registration.
We hope you share our sense of urgency for this initiative and would respond positively to our meeting invite. Please confirm your attendance by 5th February. Happy to arrange for a call beforehand if you would like to discuss or need clarification.
Look forward to seeing in Brussels!
More about the Artist at Risk Protection Rights Initiative
Mimeta is a Norwegian organization working on cultural rights, which in short means safeguarding artistic expressions and people’s free access to arts production. We do this by supporting intermediary organizations, those who work on behalf of the practitioners, in media and in the arts, globally. Read here
ICORN Network Meeting 2023 22.-24. March, Brussels will be an important gathering place for the whole network. ICORN look forward to welcoming up to 300 writers, artists, journalists, activists, city representatives, politicians, policy makers, partner organisations, sister networks, and experts in the field of human rights, arts, culture, and migration. This is a space to reflect, to share information, inspiration, and knowledge, and to further develop our common work for freedom of expression and international solidarity. The programme of the 2023 ICORN Network Meeting provides opportunities for networking, as well as a variety of plenary sessions, artistic performances, workshops, panel discussions, training courses, screenings, and tours. One of the main topics of this year’s Network Meeting in Brussels will be the possibility of crossing borders, both physically and metaphorically. The diversity of topics, including migration and mobility, well-being, digital security, and professional re-adjustment and development in exile, is aimed at all parts of the ICORN network, from residents, coordinators, and cities to partners and observers.
Register here, for a fee of €550 by 5 February. ICORN already have 200 guests registered, so please don’t delay your registration. You are also free to make your own hotel arrangement.
MIMETA has been working within culture and development internationally since 2006. Mimeta engages in the protection of cultural rights - and culture sector development by the means of financial support, knowledge building and professional advises. The organization is registered as a Norwegian limited company with charitable statutes. Out of its base in the city of Arendal, Mimeta works internationally to enhance freedom of expression, artistic rights, including the rights of artists at risk for protection. In the last decade, MIMETA has directed most of its support to intermediary organizations, those who work on behalf of the practitioners, in arts and media in the Middle East and Africa.
ICORN The International Cities of Refuge Network is an independent organisation of cities and regions offering shelter to writers and artists at risk, advancing freedom of expression, defending democratic values and promoting international solidarity. ICORN Member Cities offer long-term, but temporary, shelter to those put at risk as a direct consequence of their creative activities. ICORN aim is to host as many persecuted writers, artists, and journalists in ICORN cities as possible, and together with sister networks and organisations, to form a dynamic and sustainable global network for freedom of expression. Since 2006, more than 80 cities worldwide have joined ICORN, giving shelter to no less than 300 writers, artists, and journalists. Find more information about ICORN here www.icorn.org
