Yekaterina Barabash, a renowned Russian film critic and journalist, became a symbol of defiance after opposing Russia’s “war-fakes” law. Arrested in 2025 for anti-war commentary, she was placed under house arrest before escaping Moscow with help from Reporters Without Borders. Now in France, Barabash continues to speak out for artistic freedom and against censorship in Putin’s Russia.
The Belgrade International Theatre Festival (BITEF), long considered Serbia’s gateway to global avant-garde performance, is facing unprecedented turmoil. The rejection of Swiss director Milo Rau’s project The Pelicot Trial triggered resignations, accusations of political pressure, and heated public debate. As institutions tighten control and artists speak out, BITEF 2025 has become a powerful symbol of Serbia’s struggle over artistic autonomy and cultural freedom..
Since 2016, SUSMA24 (Speak Up Platform) has fought against rising censorship in Turkey’s cultural sector. Formed under P24 by journalists and civil rights advocates, the initiative unites 120+ institutions to document suppression, support artists, and engage international bodies. From legal victories to global advocacy and banned art exhibitions, SUSMA24 showcases how grassroots resilience and transnational solidarity protect artistic freedom.
In August 2024, Slovakia’s Cultural Strike began after key cultural leaders were dismissed by Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. The movement, led by artists and institutions, protests government censorship, ideological control, and poor labor conditions. Backed by international support, it demands merit-based leadership, fair funding, and worker protections, symbolizing broader resistance to the country’s growing authoritarianism.
Europe’s arts philanthropy is navigating major shifts, driven by digital innovation, post-pandemic recovery, and new funding strategies. Foundations are increasing support for sustainability and diversity, yet bureaucratic hurdles and funding disparities persist. Public-private partnerships and pooled funding models show promise, but tensions remain over artistic freedom and access. This article explores the landscape’s challenges and emerging opportunities.
Our good friends in The European Cultural Foundation are deeply involved in the vision of a united Europe where citizens feel proudly European, a place where they can live, express themselves, work and dream freely, in diversity and harmony. It is horrific to witness the vulgarity that now unfolds on Ukrainian soil.
The ECF has organized a solidarity fund for Ukraine that gives priority to independent media, safe cultural spaces and artistic productions acting for a peaceful future for Ukraine. We urge you to support the fund!
