Thank you so much for your participation and commitment in the first meeting of The Artist at Risk Funding Initiative. I really believe in the spirit of action that was established between us, and cross fingers for a significant outcome of the process that is started.
I found that quotes may be good to use in the communication of the initiative. The below list is put together by
1) Real quotes confirmed by the the owner and ready to be used.
2) Quotes I have constructed from the conversation. Please let me know and I will put your name to it.
3) If you have your own quote that you would like added to the list, please let me know.
1. Confirmed Quotes:
I work carefully and imperceptibly below the surface when it comes to freedom of artistic expression. Deep down I stand by those who want to break it but remind them of realities above the surface. At the same time, the water becomes shallower. This is my duty as a producer. (Faisal Kiwewa)
The dangers associated with the freedom of expression of artists in Syria are similar to the "mille-feuille" dessert, which consists of different layers that determine the taste. Cultural institutions working in the field of protection urgently need to understand the composition of this risky "mille-feuille" and its ingredients in order to respond to the threats in which censorship, physical dangers, repression, displacement, violence and other dangers, all of which hinder freedom of expression, come together. (Abdullah Alkafri)
In the Arab region, there is experience in dealing with the censorship of free expression that we need to share with the world, and we can learn from their ability to confront complex threats. (Abdullah Alkafri)
Democracies must value artistic freedom as they value press freedom. (Cato Litangen)
Artists must be protected as we protect political dissidents and human rights activists. (Cato Litangen)
Artists are not human rights activists. They are artists, and entitled to the same protection as human rights activists. (Cato Litangen)
Artists get frequently involved in the work for the human rights of other groups. They do it without knowing that they themselves have the right to protection, as artists. (Cato Litangen)
We must defend artistic work as part of freedom of expression. (Cato Litangen)
We need to invest in the system for Artists at Risk. It's urgent! The foundations are crackling. (Cato Litangen)
Mobilize solidarity with those who have been deprived of their artistic rights! (Cato Litangen)
2. Not Confirmed Quotes
In the past we dreamed of freedom. No we are hoping for some security.
I was imprisoned for my artistry, but in my new existence, far from my homeland, I have lost it
When at risk you find a fragile web of support among others in the sector.
