Objectives for the programme period are:
- Artists' (women, men and non-binary) right to freedom/fair trials and freedom of expression are protected in the event of threats/harassment by state or non-state actors.
- Artists' (women, men and non-binary) right to life and safety is protected in case of threats/harassment by state or non-state actors.
- Increased documented monitoring of artistic freedom globally and strengthened capacity of rights holders to conduct advocacy work which contribute to increased respect, protection and realization of the right to artistic freedom.
- Actors working for artistic freedom have access to common networks and forums for collaboration.
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 subgrant funds to partnering organisations working to fulfill the desired outcomes of the programme.
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.