Artistic freedom, a fundamental value, faces growing threats across Europe, with concerning examples of censorship and restrictions on the arts, according to the IETM. The international performing arts network, calls on the cultural community to defend this core democratic principle.
By Matthaios TsimitakisThe IETM (International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts) is raising concerns regarding the erosion of artistic freedom in Europe, particularly due to increasing political intervention in cultural organisations. Citing three distinct cases, the netwotk is calling on the community to defend the basic democratic principle of free expression in the arts.
The most prominent of the three cases is the German parliament's resolution aimed at combating antisemitism, despite opposition from legal experts, civil society groups, and Jewish intellectuals. The resolution links public funding to adherence to a controversial definition of antisemitism, raising concerns over free speech and criticism of Israel's policies. In Slovakia, the National Gallery's director, Alexandra Kusá was fired amid a wider crackdown on culture and media by the nationalist government. Kusá says the dismissals are politically motivated, not based on merit, and part of a broader "destruction" of the country's institutions. Protests have followed the firings, seen as a threat to free expression. Nationalist protesters disrupted the opening night of John Malkovich's production of George Bernard Shaw's play "Arms and the Man" in Sofia, Bulgaria. The protesters denounced the play as "anti-Bulgarian" and demanded Malkovich's expulsion. Police were unable to control the unruly crowd, leading to the play being performed to journalists only.
The IETM statement
As a network deeply committed to free expression, openness, and pluralism, we are alarmed by the growing attacks on artistic freedom across the globe. Europe, once celebrated as a bastion of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, is seeing these core values increasingly threatened. From the recent resolution in Germany, to the dismissal of theatre and gallery directors in Slovakia, to the banning of a play in Bulgaria - these and other troubling examples serve as stark warnings that the core essence of the arts, their freedom, is in jeopardy.
History reminds us that the erosion of civic spaces and freedoms is often gradual, yet it can lead to irreparable damage for entire nations and continents. The degradation of artistic freedom is an issue that affects all of us in the cultural sector, regardless of our roles or organisations, and it impacts society at large, across every background, identity, and belief. Once lost, democratic values are incredibly difficult to restore to their rightful place.
As a network, IETM is committed to strengthening our efforts to defend artistic freedom, and we urge each of you to remain vigilant and proactive in upholding this fundamental value.
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Image: Наталья Чернохатова
