The first global network in support of artistic freedom of expression.
Oslo Norway 27th October: Mimeta hosted the launch of Artfex.
Today 14 international arts and human rights organisations launched Artsfex, the first international civil society network actively concerned with the right of artists to freedom of expression as well as with issues relating to human rights and freedoms generally. Artsfex aims to promote, protect and defend artistic freedom of expression, as well as freedom of assembly, thought, and opinion in and across all art disciplines, globally.
The formation of Artsfex follows the very successful World Conference on Artistic Freedom of Expression ‘All that is banned is desired’, in Oslo 25-26th October 2012 which highlighted the urgent need for a global community in support of artists’ right to freedom of expression.
“Freemuse very much welcomes the formation of this network and looks forward to working with our international partners on furthering the cause of freedom of artistic expression across the globe.” Professor Martin Cloonan – Chair Freemuse
“Recent censorship incidents, the suppression of creative voices, and threats against the lives of artists have made it clear that we have arrived at the moment when creative workers and free speech activists need to work together against repression and for an open cultural space both locally, regionally and globally.”
Attending organisations: Freemuse; PEN International; Article 19; Arterial Network; Federation of European Film Directors; Freedimensional; May Congress Russia, European Council of Artists; International Federation of Coalitions for Cultural Diversity; European Compsoer and songwriter alliance; Freemuse; National Coalition Against Censorship: ICORN; Initiative for Freedom of Expression; Seksualiti Merdeka.
For more information:
Ole Reitov at Freemuse : ole.reitov@freemuse.org
Julia Farrington at Index on Censorship: julia@indexoncensorship.org
