Alf Olav Bleie Andersen (Impact Officer at Mimeta) launches Mapping of the sector involved in Safeguarding Artists.
Recognizing the growing need for supporting initiatives to protect Artist at Risk, Mimeta last year convened a meeting of financial contributors to organizations engaged in this important work. The objective was to shed light on the challenges faced by these organizations and to lay the groundwork for an initiative that could substantially boost funding for this sector.
During the meeting, it became apparent that a comprehensive examination of the sector's resources was crucial. As a step towards fulfilling this need, we are pleased to announce the release of our latest mapping: "Safeguarding Artists”
This mapping encompasses 71 organizations, all actively involved in supporting Artists-at-Risk to varying degrees. Out of these, 20 organizations have participated by providing responses to our survey, specifically designed for this mapping initiative. Additionally, 25 supplementary interviews were conducted among the 71 organizations. The study, therefore, combines survey data, interviews, and desk studies. While acknowledging the challenges of generalizing from this diverse material, we remain hopeful that it contributes to a comprehensive overview of organizations dedicated to supporting Artists-at-Risk.
Notably, 70 percent of the surveyed organizations work with Artists-at-Risk alongside their broader commitments in human rights or other aspects of artistic rights. Sixty-five percent of the 71 organizations are based in North America or Europe, with the Open Society Foundations and the Ford Foundation being the most prominent funders when tallying awarded grants.
Among the 20 organizations that actively participated in the survey, there is a balanced distribution between public and private funding. This indicates that both authorities and private entities are significantly contributing to the funding of these organizations, reinforcing a collaborative approach in sustaining initiatives dedicated to supporting Artists at Risk.
Combined, the 20 respondent organizations allocate a budget ranging from 3.2 to 5.7 million dollars specifically earmarked for Artists-at-Risk. Fifty-five percent of these organizations have 1 to 2 full-time positions dedicated to this cause, with a total of 53 to 89 employees engaged in the work across these organizations. Approximately half of these employees are associated with organizations specializing in relocation.
Of the 20 organizations, six exclusively focus on Artists-at-Risk. Of these, three are specializing in relocation efforts.
The mapping is not intended to serve as an exhaustive depiction of the entire sector; rather, its purpose is to offer a nuanced glimpse into the prevalent themes and challenges confronting organizations dedicated to supporting 'Artists at Risk.' The mapping provides concrete examples of the impactful work being undertaken within this realm.
Throughout this endeavor, we prioritized conducting interviews with organizations involved in the mapping, allowing them to articulate the sector's aspirations, hurdles, and insights. Augmenting these firsthand accounts, comprehensive desk studies were conducted to enrich the mapping with broader context.
It is important to note that the mapping process is a collaborative effort, drawing insights directly from the sector itself. The resulting document, "Safeguarding Artists," is now accessible on Mimeta’s website. This publication serves as a resource, encapsulating the sector's dynamics and offering tangible examples of the initiatives in motion.
Moreover, derived from the sector's own narratives, the mapping incorporates a series of recommendations. These suggestions are intended to provide actionable insights for the Initiative to contemplate, emphasizing a collective commitment to addressing the challenges faced by organizations working tirelessly to safeguard Artists at Risk. We invite you to explore the findings and recommendations laid out in "Safeguarding Artists" as we collectively strive to enhance support and awareness for this crucial cause.
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The Safeguarding Artists Program
As a follow up to the Funders Initiative for Artist at Risk, Mimeta has designed The Safeguarding Artists Program. The purpose is to strengthen organizations safeguarding artists by enhancing sector operations and attracting support from authorities and private funds. Through targeted support, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, this program aims to fortify the infrastructure that ensures the safety of artists. Within this program Mimeta brings together stakeholders in a unified effort, fostering collaboration as they collectively share a vision and strategy for the program. Participants willingly contribute funds, expertise, time, network, or other resources to drive the intended changes.
Sponsors
The sponsor organizations are providing essential financial resources for the Program. Each sponsor actively participates with the shared goal of realizing the Program's objectives in an informed, cooperative, effective, and coordinated process.
Trust in the synergies derived from cooperation
Their commitment is grounded in trust and is emphasizing principles of good governance and sound financial management. Sponsors recognize the value of impact management, encompassing robust reporting, the generation of new knowledge, and a culture of continuous learning, as significant and beneficial outcomes arising from their active participation in the initiative. They also have trust in the synergies derived from cooperation.
Participation for special purposes
Sponsors have the opportunity to make direct investments in various facets of the program, such as re-granting schemes, advocacy campaigns, knowledge development, program management, impact management, or for specific activities and projects or within limitations like a geographical focus that adhere to the particular sponsors´ focus.
Reporting as requirement
Another level of engagement involves sponsors who value the of cooperation and synergies from it, but also uses their participation for identifying proposals or participants for direct funding, independently of the program's mechanisms and services. However, while participating in the program, and thus align with its objectives and strategy, it is essential that sponsors are open for reporting requirements from the program also in such instances.
