Artistic Freedom and Autonomy

Artistic freedom, autonomy, and the freedom of creation are fundamental to a thriving cultural landscape and democratic society. In 2024, several events across Europe signalled a worrying trend of increasing restrictions on these essential values. In response, Pearle* took steps to document, address, and advocate against these infringements.

Since 2024, Pearle* has engaged in a range of actions to uphold artistic freedom:

Publications

• The Ultimate Cookbook for Cultural Managers: The Artistic Freedom Regulatory Framework in the EU
• Infographic on The Artistic Freedom Regulatory Framework in the EU

Events and conferences

• At the 68th Pearle* Conference in Prague, we heard a keynote by Michael Žantovský reflecting on Václav Havel’s legacy and the role of theatre in defending democratic values. A dedicated working group also explored solutions for the sector to respond to these breaches of artistic freedom and artistic autonomy.

• At the 69th Pearle* Conference in Athens, we organised a panel with experts from the academic, legal and cultural sector to address the topic of freedom of artistic creation in times of polarisation. A follow-up workshop provided Pearle* members with strategies to safeguard artistic freedom. This workshop took place in the framework of the EFA/Pearle* collaboration as part of the Care For and Share the Alliance.

• The 71st Pearle* conference in Helsinki underlined the role of culture as a pillar of society and democracy through keynotes and workshops on preparedness and Finland’s approach to comprehensive security.

Joint Advocacy

• In cooperation with the European Theatre Convention (ETC), Opera Europa, and Culture Action Europe (CAE), Pearle* initiated a Joint Call for Artistic Freedom and Autonomy, launched during the CAE event with Members of the European Parliament in Brussels.

• Pearle* also supports the “Resistance Now” call for artistic freedom, led by artistic leaders of ETC, the Wiener Festwochen, and Opera Europa.

• On 9 April 2025, Pearle* joined 12 other organisations representing creators, cultural institutions and human rights defenders in a joint call addressed to the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) and national human rights institutions across Europe.

• Pearle* is part of the European Artistic Freedom Act (EAFA) Steering Group.

Policy and research

• Preliminary survey on Artistic Freedom: In 2024, Pearle* launched a survey to collect input from the members on artistic freedom and autonomy breaches across Europe and how they experience these values in their respective countries.

• EU Consultation on the Rule of Law: Pearle* gathered input from its members to contribute to the EU consultation, highlighting the impact of polarisation on the cultural sector.

Pearle* members initiatives

• Deutscher Bühnenverein - Theater und Orchester für die Demokratie (DE)

On World Theatre Day 2024, the Deutscher Bühnenverein (German Theatre Association) launched the "Theatres and Orchestras for Democracy" campaign, which aims to promote democratic coexistence and champion an open, diverse society.

Since its launch, the Bühnenverein has regularly encouraged its members to take part, with each iteration focusing on a different theme. Through these collective efforts, theatres and orchestras across the country amplify a unified and visible message in support of democracy.

Find out more

• NAPK – “Artistieke vrijheid onder druk van de huidige politieke spanningen. Een toolkit voor makers” (NL)

In March 2026, the NAPK released a toolkit that proposes tips and practical tools for performing arts professionals and organisations to protect artistic freedom.

The toolkit was originally compiled as part of the LAB & KONFERENZ VIELFÄLTIGER OSTEN project, a two-part programme organised by Verbund Mitte: Ost1, which took place in 2025.

The NAPK has had the toolkit translated into Dutch and has supplemented or replaced the references in each chapter with Dutch equivalents.

Find out more

• Les Forces Musicales – Observatoire de la liberté de création (FR)

Les Forces Musicales are a member of the French Observatory for Freedom of Creation. Originally established as part of the League of Human Rights (LDH), the Observatory became an independent association in January 2024.

The  Observatory and its partners fight against all forms of censorship, obstruction and vandalism of works of art, going through legal avenues where necessary.