Art & Democracy: Threats to Artistic Freedom

Art and culture, free from censorship and interference, are fundamental pillars of a vibrant democracy. By fostering reflection, critical thought, and open debate, the arts hold the power to inspire societal change and strengthen democratic values. Artistic freedom, the principle of independence (arm’s length distance), and the promotion of inclusion and diversity are not just cultural ideals - they are vital components of any healthy democracy. It is our collective responsibility to protect these freedoms and respond when they are under threat.

This seminar will explore the current conditions faced by artists in the Nordic countries and discuss how our societies can ensure that art and culture remain independent, unencumbered, and free from political or ideological constraints. We will examine findings from a recent report by the Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy, which highlights the growing threats, harassment, and violence faced by artists and writers across the Nordics. We will also address the broader global context, looking at the rising wave of artistic censorship and the challenges it presents to democracy and creative freedom worldwide.

Join us for this important conversation, and contribute your thoughts on how we can collectively safeguard the integrity of artistic expression in Iceland, and across the Nordics. The event will be held in English.

PROGRAM

Opening address by Logi Einarsson, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education

Presentation of the Kulturanalys Norden report “Threats, violence and harassment against artists and writers in the Nordic countries” by Sofia Arkhede, researcher at the Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy, Kulturanalys Norden.

Panel discussion with the following participants:

• Jóna Hlíf Halldórsdóttir, Artist and President of the Federation of Icelandic Artists
• Odee, Artist and activist
• Khaled Barakeh, Syrian artist based in Berlin
• Hanan Benammar, Algerian/French artist based in Oslo

Moderator: Jonatan Habib Engqvist, author and curator.

The event is organized in collaboration with the Nordic house in Reykjavík.