MIMETA - Protecting Artistic Freedom and Cultural Rights

First released report on Artistic Freedom in Tanzania The former partner of Mimeta, Culture and Development East Africa (CDEA), and and the Tanzania Artists Rights Organization(TARO) have released a report looking at critical aspects affecting artists and the creative landscape in the country. The report was part of the Sanaa Rights project supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Dar Es Salaam and aimed to bolster the policy and legislative frameworks surrounding the arts sector. The project focused on mapping, reviewing, and providing recommendations for policies and laws pertinent to artistic expression. It also includes policy and legislative roundtables, as well as stakeholder dialogues to engage diverse perspectives within the artistic community and beyond.

Throughout 2023, Mimeta provided essential support to nine key partners across Middle east and Africa, enabling them to conduct impactful cultural and artistic programs. Through financial support and capacity-building initiatives, these partners extended support to 545 organizations, strengthening their ability to contribute to the cultural landscape. Additionally, dedicated efforts were made to safeguard 280 artists facing risks, offering them protection, training and ensuring their freedom to express their artistry. Training and capacity-building programs benefited 1,575 professionals, enhancing their skills and contributing to the development of the cultural sector. Events organized by our partners attracted 133,775 attendees, highlighting the widespread public engagement and the vibrant cultural life fostered by these initiatives. Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://lnkd.in/d-26pvWb

Facilitating Cultural Management in Challenging Contexts #Action4Hope Introduces an In-depth Training Guide and we as Mimeta are very pleased to share. It is a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing the capacities of cultural managers operating within complex socio-political environments. And we are sure it has relevance and will be useful also for managers outside this target group. Developed by Action for Hope, an experienced cultural organization and partner of Mimeta, this guide (in English and Arabic language versions) serves as a resourceful tool for developing cultural initiatives. The guide is the collaborative effort of cultural experts Basma El Husseiny, Rana Yazaji, and Abdullah AlKafri. Basma, the founding director of Action for Hope, alongside the founders of #Ettijahat, Rana and Abdullah, bring substantial expertise to this initiative. #SvenskaPostcodeStiftelsen, #DoenFoundation, #BritishCouncil and #Mimeta https://lnkd.in/g64pVen9

Delighted to have participated at the World Expression Forum, WEXFO, in Lillehammer, Norway, earlier this week, particularly to discuss the persisting challenges to artistic freedom and how we can work collaboratively to enhance artists’ protection. Thanks Stiftelsen Fritt Ord, MIMETA - Protecting Artistic Freedom and Cultural Rights, and the Norwegian Society of Composers and Lyricists (NOPA) for inviting me to be part of such a relevant and interesting session!

The State of Artistic Freedom in Latin America 2020-2022," is a comprehensive inquiry undertaken by the platform "BULLA," an initiative of Fundación Cartel Urbano dedicated to safeguarding artistic freedom in Latin America. It represents an endeavor poised to illuminate the multifaceted challenges confronting artists within the region. https://lnkd.in/gX4k3zre

We really hope you have the possibility to attend the event at the United Nations Headquarters. It is bringing together renowned experts and artists, the event aims to raise awareness among UN Member States and civil society actors about the impact of emergency situations on writers and artists, as well as to call for enhanced coordination and comprehensive efforts to defend artistic freedom during crises. For registration today, see: https://lnkd.in/d9YuEGuz

Nhimbe Trust, a dedicated advocate for cultural rights, has recently published its inaugural report focusing on artistic freedom in the Africa Region. With support from Africalia, Mimeta, and the Swedish Arts Council, this report marks an important milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to support artists and cultural professionals. Read here: https://lnkd.in/dcaG8Paf

The act of telling one's own story can provoke backlash and resistance from various quarters. Artists encounter pressures from multiple fronts - governmental authorities imposing restrictions and persecution, and societal forces exerting hate speech and violent actions. Even streamlined international media often overlooking narratives crafted by marginalized groups, favouring perspectives portrayed through the lens of their readers We are looking forward to join this breakout session with MIMETA - Protecting Artistic Freedom and Cultural Rights at World Expression Forum #WEXFO in #Lillehammer 27-28 May Visit https://lnkd.in/debnW8nq

Return to Norad: Culture in Norwegian development policy Just published in Panorama Nyheter. This is a professional magazine about Norwegian and international development and aid. Online, they publish daily news updates, reports, and opinion pieces, including foreign coverage of Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, starting from 2023, a semi-annual print magazine is also published. See here: https://lnkd.in/gt4eHNeG

Mimeta launches report on resources involved in Safeguarding Artists. The mapping includes introduction to 71 organizations, survey data from 20 respondents and perspectives from 25 interviewed professionals. https://lnkd.in/da9gt_YU