Throughout 2023, Mimeta provided essential support to nine key partners across Middle east and Africa, enabling them to conduct impactful cultural and artistic programs. Through financial support and capacity-building initiatives, these partners extended support to 545 organizations, strengthening their ability to contribute to the cultural landscape. Additionally, dedicated efforts were made to safeguard 280 artists facing risks, offering them protection, training and ensuring their freedom to express their artistry. Training and capacity-building programs benefited 1,575 professionals, enhancing their skills and contributing to the development of the cultural sector. Events organized by our partners attracted 133,775 attendees, highlighting the widespread public engagement and the vibrant cultural life fostered by these initiatives.
Strengthening Cultural Infrastructure
Mimeta's partners are at the forefront of building robust cultural frameworks. Their contributions in 2023 have expanded cultural education, promoted artistic skills, and fostered a deeper appreciation and engagement with the arts. Educational workshops and training sessions reached over 1,575 professionals, empowering them with new skills and knowledge. A variety of events were organized, creating platforms for artistic expression and community participation, drawing an impressive attendance of 133,775 people. Investments in organizational structures supported sustainable cultural activities and institutions, enabling 545 organizations to enhance their capacity and continue their important work in the cultural sector.
Advocating for Artistic Rights
Central to Mimeta's vision is the belief in artistic rights as an extension of the right to free expression. The initiatives supported in 2023 have focused on protecting artistic freedom and ensuring the safety of artists at risk. Efforts to defend the rights of artists to express themselves freely included advocacy and practical support for those facing censorship or persecution. In 2023 alone, 280 artists at risk were provided with support to continue their work. Mimeta partners offered essential support to artists under threat, providing training and protection within their regions or facilitating relocation, when necessary, thus maintaining the safety and freedom of expression for vulnerable artists.
Enhancing International Cooperation
Mimeta's partners function as regional hubs, providing critical information and support within their respective areas. They contribute to a global network aimed at safeguarding artists and facilitating information exchange. Regional partners offer practical assistance, ensuring artists can continue their work in safe environments. This network is instrumental in offering immediate and effective support to those in need. These partners also serve as vital sources of information about regional cultural dynamics, enhancing global understanding and cooperation. Their role in sharing insights and data is key to fostering international cultural collaboration.
Core Funding and Flexibility
A significant aspect of Mimeta's support is the provision of core funding to its partners. This financial stability allows them to innovate, adapt and grow, responding to changing circumstances and needs, ensuring the continued development and resilience of cultural structures. This adaptability has been identified as crucial by several partners, enabling them to sustain and expand their initiatives effectively. Core funding is often described as essential by partners, enabling them to develop, maintain and expand their cultural projects.
Safeguarding Artists
A program for funders attention to organisations involved in safeguarding artists was initiated in spring 2023, and in the end of year Mimeta publicized the Safeguarding Artis mapping report. It gives funders and other interested parties an insight to the struggles of these organisations on a global scale.
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The 2023 Mimeta Program Report underscores the importance of supporting diverse cultural initiatives that champion artistic freedom and strengthen cultural infrastructures globally. Through funding and international cooperation, Mimeta and its partners are making significant strides in ensuring that culture remains accessible and that artists can work freely and safely, particularly in marginalized communities.
Thank you!
It has been a great privilege to work closely with a core group of partners in sharing trust, ideas and finding ways to go forward on this narrow path.
We also use this opportunity to thank the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for financial support to realize the ideas and methodologies of culture sector development that Mimeta has been representing since the foundation in 2008.
For further details on the Mimeta Program and its 2023 achievements, please contact us at info@mimeta.org
