Following a mapping exercise covering 70% of Africa in 2011 and 2012, Arterial Network released its first preliminary report on the state of freedom of creative expression in Africa in 2013.
The vitality of artistic creativity is necessary for the development of vibrant cultures and the functioning of democratic societies. Artistic expressions and creations are integral parts of cultural life. Yet, artistic expressions and creative practitioners come under particular risk because they convey specific messages, present alternative ideas that challenge the status quo or are considered to do so.
In the recent times, there has been a growing interest in the question of freedom of creative expression. In the year 2012 a milestone was achieved with the holding of the first World Conference on Artistic Freedom of Expression in Norway which was organized by Freemuse and Fritt Ord, and followed by the founding of the Arts and Freedom of Expression Network (ARTSFEX). Artsfex is an international, civil society network of organisations and individuals actively concerned with the right of artists to freedom of expression.
ARTWATCH AFRICA REPORT 2013
Following a mapping exercise covering 70% of Africa in 2011 and 2012, Arterial Network released its first preliminary report on the state of freedom of creative expression in Africa in 2013.
The focus of this assessment was to collect data on the presence of repression in African countries and their current state. These repressions most commonly take the form of social marginalization in its various shades and government censorship. In this vein, legal frameworks, religion, societal norms, traditions and general government practices were examined. The outcome of the exercise was a series of country profiles on the status of artistic freedom.
The 2013 report is an important first step towards understanding restrictions of freedoms of creative expression on the continent. Nevertheless, this preliminary report is by no means exhaustive and requires further verification and ongoing research with the aim of producing an annual report that can be widely distributed.
The different country profiles of this report showed that artists remain at particular risk in certain countries. As their work depends on visibly engaging people in the public domain, states, religious and social groups often try to interfere by blocking their different world views and alternative narratives. There are very serious instances of contraventions to, and restrictions of, freedom of creative expression on the African continent. Even in countries like Namibia and Seychelles, with relatively good or high levels of artistic freedoms, there is still work to be done in order to mitigate the impact of visible and invisible restrictions.
For information about the trends in terms of freedom of creative expression on the African continent, please continue reading by visiting the external link below.
To download the report Art Watch Africa - Monitoring Freedom of Creative Expression, click here.