Building bridges – Breaking barriers
Democracy and human rights are under great pressure across the globe, and Europe is no exception. The far right has strengthened over the past decade and is now in government or as a significant part of the parliamentary basis for right-wing governments in several European countries. At the same time, we see increased polarization, extremist and fundamentalist groups posing greater challenges to our European societies.
European cultural values are being challenged by the rise of populism, the shrinking space for civil society and the expansion of new unregulated public spaces online which restrict artistic freedom. Art and culture are expressions with a societal-building power, and cultural policy should be based on freedom of expression and tolerance. Cultural life and civil society are prerequisites for education and an enlightened public, and thus an investment in democracy.
Through this project, Freemuse aims to help defend artistic freedom in Europe and highlight why it is essential for open, democratic societies. By fostering education and collaboration between cultural and human rights organizations, monitoring and reporting will be developed at both national and EU levels to elevate artistic freedom on the political agenda.
The project is supported with 2 065 000 SEK.
What happens in the project?
- – Selected human rights and cultural actors, as well as umbrella organizations in 12 European countries, will receive training and support to strengthen their capacity.
- – A number of regional coordinators will be recruited and trained to oversee efforts and to further educate members within their networks.
- – These actors will begin documenting, analyzing, and reporting violations within their respective contexts. Additionally, they will organize discussions, workshops, and events to highlight the importance of artistic freedom to the sector, the public, and policymakers.
- – In some countries, reporting to the UN will also be required.
- – Ultimately, a final report will be compiled, containing insights, recommendations, and lessons learned from the project, along with policy proposals for decision-makers at both the EU level and within the 12 participating countries.
- – The report will be shared within the sector and disseminated through media outreach, social channels, and presentations at EU and UN forums in Geneva, Paris, Strasbourg, and Brussels.
Why is the project supported?
By monitoring, strengthening, and clarifying the importance of artists’ rights in Europe, a free and democratic society for all groups of individuals can be promoted, both in Sweden and across the rest of Europe.
Project time status
10%
This project started in April 2025 and ends in March 2026
For more information: https://www.freemuse.org/
