At this year’s World Expression Forum (WEXFO) in Lillehammer, artistic freedom was conspicuously absent from the closing statement – a troubling omission from an event meant to champion all aspects of freedom of expression. We, as Mimeta, find this not only disappointing, but deeply concerning.
A new document from Jewish Artists UK, Courage and Care, is reshaping the debate on antisemitism and censorship in the arts. Backed by over 100 Jewish creatives, it challenges how institutions define antisemitism, particularly in relation to pro-Palestinian expression. The guidelines call for nuanced understanding, defending artistic freedom while condemning real antisemitism. Context, not censorship, they argue, should guide cultural policy.
At Arendalsuka 2025, Samtale og mingel: Kunst, kultur, trusler og (selv)sensur? tackles rising threats to artistic freedom. Organized by Nordisk Ministerråd, Kulturdirektoratet, and Voksenåsen, the event combines expert panels with networking. It highlights challenges from harassment to self-censorship and links cultural resilience with democracy—engaging policymakers, artists, and advocates.
Freemuse’s State of Artistic Freedom 2025 reveals alarming global trends in artistic repression throughout 2024. Launched during Democracy Week in Kristiansand, Norway, the report highlights intensified crackdowns in Iran, Türkiye, China, and conflict zones like Gaza. Democratic nations weren’t spared, as self-censorship grew. Legal and criminal threats continue to endanger artists worldwide. Freemuse calls for global action to protect creative expression.
Just hours before opening, the satirical cartoon exhibition Licence to Offend was abruptly cancelled by TownSq gallery in Kingston, London. Featuring works by top UK political cartoonists like Morten Morland, the show depicted public figures including Trump, Starmer, and Musk. Citing potential offense and staff safety, the gallery pulled the exhibit. Morland criticized the move as a blow to free expression. Organizers seek a new venue.
Freedom in the Arts (FITA) has launched Afraid to Speak Freely, a powerful report revealing growing censorship, self-silencing, and ideological pressure within the UK’s arts and cultural sector. Based on responses from 483 professionals, the report calls for urgent action to protect freedom of expression and support viewpoint diversity across institutions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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.
Cultural institutions in Arendal have established an initiative, Art27Arendal: for artistic rights, freedom of expression, democracy and internationalization.
Recognizing champions of human rights and democracy—submit your nomination by 1 February 2025.
