A Message in Support of Artistic Freedom — Perform Europe

Published:  January 9, 2025

Across Europe and beyond, the fundamental values of free expression and democracy are being eroded. Perform Europe stands in solidarity with all Perform Europe artists and partners and the wider artistic community, who face challenges to create and share their work freely. 

• Georgian artists fighting for freedom — We stand in solidarity with the artistic community who has been at the forefront of protests for freedom and democracy amidst government repression and violence. 🔗 Learn more and support
• Cultural autonomy under threat in Germany — Recent resolutions jeopardise the independence of the cultural sector, endangering artistic freedom. 🔗 Learn more
• Voices silenced in Slovakia — The dismissal of theatre and gallery directors exposes the fragility of artistic independence. 🔗 Learn more
• Censorship in the arts in Bulgaria — The banning of a play underscores the urgent need to safeguard cultural expression. 🔗 Learn more

These and other troubling examples serve as stark warnings that the core essence of the arts is in jeopardy. The erosion of freedoms is difficult to reverse once begun. Perform Europe is committed to speaking up against breaches of artistic freedom and calls on each of you to stay vigilant, proactive, and united.

Cover photo: Ivanka Kate Yakovyna