Invitation to Breakout Session at World Expression Forum
We are looking forward to be present on this breakout session at the upcoming World Expression Forum, themed around the intersection of art, activism, and challenges faced by artists globally.
"Navigating the Pressures: Protecting Artistic Freedom in a Complex Landscape," will explore the intricate dynamics of artistic expression amidst censorship pressures from both authorities and civil society.
In the contemporary creative landscape, artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism, where the distinction between the two becomes increasingly blurred. The imperative of self-expression and the assertion of new personal or emerging collective narratives stand at the forefront, challenging conventional narratives and advocating for diverse perspectives.
However, the act of telling one's own story can provoke backlash and resistance from various quarters. Artists encounter pressures from multiple fronts - governmental authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, and societal forces exerting hate speech and violent actions. Even streamlined international media often overlooking narratives crafted by marginalized groups, favouring perspectives portrayed through the lens of their readers.
To protect artistic freedom in such a complex environment requires a understanding of these pressures and the ability to navigate them effectively.
The breakout session aims to delve into this critical discussion, addressing questions such as:
How can artists maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures?
What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression.
What practical strategies can artists employ to resist censorship.
What insights can advocate for artistic freedom gain from the field of journalist security?
What is the current progress of initiatives supporting artistic freedom within the Strategy of Freedom of Expression by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
What are the key takeaways from the 2023 UNESCO report on artistic freedom, and how do they inform future advocacy and policy efforts
How can safety measures for artists benefit from strategies used for journalist safety, and what specific approaches can be applied to address challenges unique to artists?
Relevant background and key documents:
Considering the theme highlighted in the title, it is now evident that individuals and organizations advocating for artistic freedom can draw valuable insights from the efforts aimed at ensuring security for journalists. This emerging understanding presents a new avenue for exploration, and we will delve into this topic during the session. What specific lessons can be gleaned from the field of journalist security that could inform and enhance approaches to safeguarding artistic freedom?
Reflecting on the Strategy of Freedom of Expression outlined by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2021, which incorporates provisions for artistic freedom of expression among artists, what is the current status of initiatives addressing this aspect of the strategy? How effectively have these measures been implemented, and what progress has been made towards achieving the outlined objectives
With reference to the UNESCO report released in 2023, which focuses on artistic freedom, what are the key insights and lessons learned from the report? How do these findings contribute to our understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to artistic expression globally, and what implications do they have for shaping future advocacy efforts and policy interventions?
