In the run-up to MONDIACULT 2025, the Artistic Freedom Initiative, together with PennCHC, Resistance Now Together, and INTERCOM, will host the virtual event “Countering Democratic Backsliding in Cultural Policy.” On 24 September 2025, the webinar will bring together cultural leaders and policy experts to discuss safeguarding artistic freedom and the independence of cultural institutions.
By Creatives Unite CommunityDeadline to register: 24 September 2025
Event Date: 24 September 2025, 17:00–18:00 CEST (11:00–12:00 ET)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Organisers: Artistic Freedom Initiative, PennCHC, Resistance Now Together, INTERCOM
Who It’s For: Cultural leaders, museum professionals, policymakers, researchers, and advocates for artistic freedom and democratic governance
Register here
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What Is This About?
This webinar is part of the lead-up to MONDIACULT 2025, the world’s largest cultural policy conference. Cultural institutions are key spaces for artistic freedom and freedom of expression, but they are increasingly vulnerable to political interference.
The session will focus on three areas:
- How cultural governance fits within democratic frameworks
- How illiberal policies are reshaping governance and limiting autonomy
- What safeguards can protect cultural institutions from political pressure
Speakers include:
- Milo Rau, Artistic Director, Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen)
- Goranka Horjan, Chair, INTERCOM
- Sanjay Sethi, Co-Executive Director, Artistic Freedom Initiative
- Kersty McCourt, EU Advisor, Artistic Freedom Initiative
The event will be a collaborative discussion aimed at sharing experiences, identifying practical solutions, and connecting people working to strengthen cultural governance and democratic resilience.
For more information, please visit Artistic Freedom Initiative's official website.
