Artistic freedom and the autonomy of cultural organizations are under attack. From devastating budget cuts and performance bans to violent disruptions and censorship, cultural production across Europe is facing unprecedented threats. Join the first Europe-wide campaign to safeguard artistic freedom.
Artists at Risk (AR) stands in solidarity with the European Theatre Convention (ETC) in urging action to be taken for freedom of expression and cultural solidarity. The open letter “Resistance Now: Free Culture” calls on European leaders to prioritize and protect artistic freedom in the face of escalating threats worldwide.
Together we can ensure that art and culture remain spaces of resilience, resistance, and hope.
- Read and sign the open letter here: www.change.org/p/join-the-first-europe-wide-campaign-to-protect-artistic-freedom
- Read more: www.europeantheatre.eu/news/sign-the-open-letter-resistance-now-free-culture
Over 200 leading voices from national theatres, opera houses, festivals, and cultural venues are calling for action. Only less than a month ago, Bulgarian far-right protestors disrupted the premiere of a new play at the Ivan Vazov National Theatre in Sofia: balkaninsight.com/2024/11/08/bulgarian-nationalists-disrupt-premiere-of-john-malkovich-directed-play. Let’s urge the European Parliament to establish a European Culture Freedom Act, taking a stand to protect cultural freedom.
This initiative has been organised by Milo Rau, the Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen, the network of publicly-funded theatres, European Theatre Convention (ETC), the Prospero – Extended Theatre platform, and the network Opera Europa.
Photo: Franz Kreis
