The intended outcomes of the programme (2021–2023) are:
- Improved conditions for artists to work without being subject to threats or harassment
- In cases where an artist is unable to work in his or her own community, increased opportunities to access a safe haven
- Increased number of countries with legislation that provides improved conditions for artists to freely create, display and distribute their work without being exposed to various forms of censorship
- Increased capacity and networking on an international level, the development of a shared understanding, and knowledge of how the conditions for artists to work can be improved
- Increased capacity of relevant actors to strengthen women’s opportunities to be artistically active
The direct target group of the programme is organisations who work to promote artistic freedom in countries that are classified as countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's Development Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC).
The Swedish Arts Council initiates partnerships using subgrant funds with organisations working to fulfill the desired outcomes of the programme. The council has therefore entered into dialogue with a number of organisations within the sector who work in different ways to promote artistic freedom and whose working methods and geographical outreach are complementary.
The programme contributes to the Swedish Arts Council’s international Government remit to contribute to the promotion of the role of culture for freedom of expression and democratization and to promote synergies between cultural policy and development cooperation.
Other examples of the Swedish Arts Councils work within the area is the mission to promote the expansion of safe havens for persecuted artists and the development of the safe haven system in Sweden. The Swedish Arts Council is also the national focal point for the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions as well as the EU programme Creative Europe.
Read more
Grant, Programme for Artistic Freedom (closed for application)
Read more about our Government remits concerning international exchange and collaboration
