Freemuse

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 […]

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.