Artistic freedom encompasses the right to create, distribute, and access artistic works without censorship or intimidation, anchored in international human rights law (Cuny, 2020). Yet, many states fail to integrate these rights into national legislation, leaving artists vulnerable to repression, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The report underscores the importance of legal protection, citing the gradual repeal of blasphemy laws and the emergence of case law supporting freedom of expression (Cuny, 2020). Mechanisms such as temporary relocation for artists at risk, and the recognition of artists as cultural rights defenders, have started to surface globally. A key example involves online safety initiatives for digital-era creators, highlighting both the threats and policy gaps in this domain. The text urges states to adopt integrated legal approaches that recognize the specificities of artistic labor, advocating for fair taxation, social security, and institutional safeguards.
Cuny, L., 2020. Defending Art, Defending Diversity. Paris: UNESCO.
