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.
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.
Avant-Garde Lawyers (AGL) is launching the third edition of itsonline course, The Art of Defending Artists 3.0. This program is designed to empower human rights defenders, legal professionals, civil society advocates, and socially engaged artists with the tools and knowledge to protect artistic freedom worldwide.
Uganda’s artists face growing censorship under President Museveni’s rule. From banned music and plays to arrested comedians and TikTokers, creative expression is under siege. Laws targeting LGBTQ+ content and political satire have silenced many, yet artists continue to resist through coded messages, digital activism, and global collaboration—proving that creativity remains a powerful force against oppression.
The controversy surrounding L2: Empuraan highlights the issue of self-censorship in Indian cinema. Despite its box-office success, the filmmakers voluntarily altered parts of the film under pressure from political and ideological factions.
Arrested in 2018 for criticizing corruption, Egyptian poet Galal El-Behairy has endured torture, harsh prison conditions, and prolonged detention. His case exemplifies Egypt’s escalating crackdown on artistic freedom.
In Tunisia, artists face growing harassment and censorship, yet they continue to reclaim public spaces through creative expression. Ballet dancer Nesrine Ben Arbia performs in historic locations, resisting conservative pressures. Despite threats from extremist groups and restrictive laws, artists persist in challenging societal norms. Initiatives like Street Art in Médenine and the Dream City Festival highlight art’s power to inspire change in Tunisia’s evolving political landscape.
Iranian filmmakers face significant challenges due to strict censorship, which limits creative freedom and forces many to produce films in secret or leave the country. Nina Zarabi's story highlights these challenges
From June 2-13, 2025, UN Special Rapporteur Alexandra Xanthaki will visit Micronesia to evaluate cultural rights, inclusivity, and challenges. Her findings, including recommendations, will be presented to the UN in March 2026.
By adopting AI in cultural heritage management, communities finally get tools to analyse and tell own stories with precision and control.
This article addresses the report to Human Rights Council, submitted in accordance with Council resolution 55/5, from the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki.
UN report highlights the risks of cultural heritage digitalization, urging ethical policies to prevent exclusion, misappropriation, and power imbalances.
Arts dialogue highlights culture’s role in Syria’s future amid ministry debates and creative economy talks
Bangladesh: The government reaffirms commitment to free expression, dismissing claims of pre-publication book censorshi
The publication of this special issue of Regards not only highlights the resilience and creativity of Syrian artists but also contributes to the broader discourse on the role of art in times of crisis. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, artists, and anyone interested in understanding the intersection of art, politics, and social change in the Syrian context.
Abdullah Alkafri, head of the Syrian cultural organization Ettijahat
Abdullah Alkafri calls for cultural and artistic sectors in Syria to actively contribute to political and social transformation by building institutions capable of supporting change. Alkafri urges participation in the constitutional reform process to influence legal frameworks regarding cultural associations, unions, and education systems, ensuring they function independently from state control.
Once banned in Syria, Stars in Broad Daylight resurfaces as a symbol of artistic resilience
For første gang hedrer Raftoprisen en kunstner. Budskapet er at kunst kan være et viktig verktøy i kampen mot autoritære regimer. Anerkjennelsen av Otero Alcántaras arbeid minner oss om at kunstneriske rettigheter er menneskerettigheter – og de må beskyttes
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We are happy to announce that the Rafto Prize 2024 has been awarded to Cuban artist and activist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, in recognition of his courageous resistance to authoritarianism through art. Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara is the first Rafto Prize laureate whose activism is rooted in artistic expression. His work stands as a profound example of how art can be a vital tool in the fight for artistic rights and freedom of expression, making this year’s award especially meaningful within the arts sector.
2023 was marked by severe conflicts, such as those in Sudan and Gaza, alongside political tensions fueled by extremism and threats. It was a perilous year for anyone voicing opinions on war, politics, challenging tradition, or critiquing the powerful—artists were no exception.
