Report on Wexfo Session: Navigating the Pressures: Protecting Artistic Freedom in a Complex Landscape

Artists often find themselves balancing the realms of art and activism. The assertion of personal or emerging collective narratives are challenging conventional narratives. Artists encounter pressures from authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, and societal forces. How can they maintain their mental resilience amidst external pressures? What legal frameworks and actual protection mechanisms exist to safeguard artistic expression? The presumption of freedom of expression being media, rather than art. The session focused on how artistic rights and freedom can take a larger space within this rights environment. Why are there poor protection networks for artists, what can artists learn from journalists and their safety structures.

This breakout session at Wexfo 2024 was collaboratively prepared by NOPA, Mimeta, and Fritt Ord, representing the collective efforts of the event. Approximately 30 participants gathered for this seminar, which was structured as a panel discussion followed by an interactive workshop.

Panellists:
Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen (independent artist), Aaiún Nin (independent artist) , Peter Ter Velde (founder of PersVeileg), Maria Rosario Soraide (UNESCO-Aschberg programme)
Moderator: Laila Bokhari (Director, Yara International).

See for bios: Navigating the Pressures: Protecting Artistic Freedom in a Complex Landscape - WEXFO

Moderator Laila Bokhari opened the session,. The overarching theme revolved around the challenges artists face in asserting their freedom of expression within a media-centric environment. The discussion aimed to explore how artistic rights can be better protected and how artists can learn from existing safety structures within journalism.

Panel Discussion between the artists Ella Marie Hætta Isaksen and Aaiún Nin:

Ella Marie Hætta Isak particularly acknowledging her privilege as someone of Sami background. Despite facing pressure within her sector due to her activist roles, she emphasized the importance of representing her true self and engaging with issues she cares about. She highlighted the lack of protection networks for artists and shared her experiences of losing followers due to her activism, especially regarding Sami issues. She emphasized the necessity of connecting with fellow artists for solidarity and support. Her art served as a platform to address societal injustices, particularly regarding the erasure of the Sami people's culture and language.

Aaiún Nin, A novelist and visual performance artist, focused on post-colonial and gendered issues in ter art. Tey stressed the significance of not remaining silent in the face of atrocities, as silence only perpetuates harm. Tey echoed the need for solidarity among artists and emphasized the role of mentorship and support networks in nurturing artistic expression.

The discussion prompted reflections on the importance of solidarity among artists. While there is a strong need for such support, it was noted that organized solidarity is lacking. However, informal connections with fellow artists have provided strength and encouragement. Mentors and role models play a crucial role in supporting emerging artists, highlighting the need for established structures of support within the artistic community.

Presentation by Peter Ter Velde:

Peter shared insights from his experience in establishing protection systems for journalists in the Netherlands. He highlighted the alarming prevalence of threats and violence against journalists, which led to the creation of protocols and safety measures. These included collaboration with law enforcement, training for journalists, and the establishment of a hotline for reporting incidents. He discussed the challenges faced in engaging freelancers and emphasized the importance of collective action in ensuring journalist safety. Peter also unveiled a new initiative for writers and translators in The Netherlands based on the same approach as “PersVeilig”.

Presentation by Maria Rosario Soraide:

Rosario, drawing from her experience with UNESCO, emphasized the disparity between support structures for journalists and artists. While journalists are often seen as truth-seekers and benefit from established safety measures, artists are often overlooked and lack adequate support. She proposed recommendations for building awareness, collaboration between artists and media, and long-term advocacy for artistic freedom.

Aaiún Nin and Ella Marie Hætta Isak reflected on the presentations, noting the importance of raising awareness about existing support networks. They emphasized the need for increased collaboration and advocacy to ensure the protection of artistic freedom.

The panel debate concluded with a call to action for raising awareness, building solidarity, and advocating for the rights and safety of artists in a complex and challenging landscape.

Following the panel discussion of the seminar, participants engaged in workshop sessions focused on various thematic areas related to artistic freedom and safeguarding artists. The workshops aimed to delve deeper into specific issues, identify existing frameworks and initiatives, and explore avenues for collaboration and advocacy within the artistic community. A range of topics was guiding the sessions where participants was divided into four discussion groups:

Explore lessons from Media Experience and Organizing Artistic Stakeholders.
Lessons learned from journalists/media organizing for freedom of expression.

Relevance and applicability of these lessons to artistic freedoms.

Obstacles and possibilities for organizing artistic stakeholders.

The need for solidarity and effective organization to address challenges.

Frameworks, Initiatives, and Addressing Censorship

Existing frameworks and initiatives in the artistic realm.

Strategies to enhance relevance and efficiency of these frameworks.

Impact of censorship on artists and ways to address it.

Need for support to improve awareness of the right to artistic freedom.

Pressing Issues, Solidarity, and Collaborative Platforms

Short-term and long-term pressing issues related to artistic freedom.

How to foster solidarity among artists.

Importance of collaborative platforms for addressing artistic freedom.

Ownership and responsibilities in addressing common challenges.

Collaboration, Advocacy, and Awareness

The recommendations highlighted by the UNESCO report on defending artistic freedom.

Collaboration between artists and organizations to advocate for rights.

The need for awareness of artists' specific rights among artists and the public.

Importance of cross-sectoral cooperation and legal protection.