Sara Whyatt
@sarawhyatt.bsky.social
Researcher on freedom of artistic expression. Member of expert facility for UNESCO 2005 Convention on Diversity of Cultural Expressions & Council of Europe Free to Create| Create to be Free program. Currently research director for @Freemuse.
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
18 December 2025, on the occasion of minorities day - Freemuse and its partners announce the launch of the fifth edition of the International Contest for Minority Artists (2026). The 2026 theme of the Contest is War and Reconciliation.
www.freemuse.org/internationa...
www.freemuse.org/internationa...
International Contest for Minority Artists 2026: War and Reconciliation - Freemuse
Geneva, 18 December 2025. On the occasion of minorities day – the anniversary of the adoption in 1992 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religi...
www.freemuse.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM
18 December 2025, on the occasion of minorities day - Freemuse and its partners announce the launch of the fifth edition of the International Contest for Minority Artists (2026). The 2026 theme of the Contest is War and Reconciliation.
www.freemuse.org/internationa...
www.freemuse.org/internationa...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/11/11/p... "This means that participants from Russia, who were already few in number, will now be afraid ... On the other hand, it is recognition that artists play an important role in the anti-war, anti-Kremlin movement.” Marat Guelman, founder of SlovoNovo
Performance artist and festival of culture added to Russian government's list of ‘foreign agents’
Pavel Krisevich and SlovoNovo festival were added to the list on 7 November
www.theartnewspaper.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/11/11/p... "This means that participants from Russia, who were already few in number, will now be afraid ... On the other hand, it is recognition that artists play an important role in the anti-war, anti-Kremlin movement.” Marat Guelman, founder of SlovoNovo
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
There’s cowardice at work with theatres eyeing each other to see who does and doesn’t host before they commit. But what message does that send about creative freedom when organisations act so timidly arguing what is said from a theatre’s stages has no connection to how that organisation operates?
'Artists are showing their solidarity with Gaza – so why are theatres so nervous?', writes Lyn Gardner 👇
Lyn Gardner on theatres' lack of solidarity with Gaza
While some theatres are showing support for Gaza, too many organisations are still distancing themselves from what artists do and say on their stages, says Lyn Gardner
www.thestage.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 11:06 AM
There’s cowardice at work with theatres eyeing each other to see who does and doesn’t host before they commit. But what message does that send about creative freedom when organisations act so timidly arguing what is said from a theatre’s stages has no connection to how that organisation operates?
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
The Day of the Dead on 2 November is a tradition observed across Latin America, honouring deceased loved ones and celebrating their lives. This year, Freemuse joins the celebration as an act of resistance and a testament to memory serving artistic freedom.
www.freemuse.org/day-of-the-d...
www.freemuse.org/day-of-the-d...
Day of the Dead: Artists Caught Between War and Cartels - Freemuse
The Day of the Dead on 2 November is a tradition observed across Latin America, honouring deceased loved ones and celebrating their lives. This year, Freemuse joins the celebration as an act of resist...
www.freemuse.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:53 AM
The Day of the Dead on 2 November is a tradition observed across Latin America, honouring deceased loved ones and celebrating their lives. This year, Freemuse joins the celebration as an act of resistance and a testament to memory serving artistic freedom.
www.freemuse.org/day-of-the-d...
www.freemuse.org/day-of-the-d...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
The Bukhara Biennial is an illusion, an oasis in a desert of repression. Transforming unused caravanserais, madrasas, and one mosque into a maze of miniature galleries within the Uzbek city, there are moments when it is a beautiful, affecting, and wonderful mirage.
The Bukhara Biennial Will Break Your Heart
The work in Uzbekistan’s first biennial shimmers with the promise of culture as a connective tissue, while the autocratic government that funded it lurks in the shadows.
hyperallergic.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:44 PM
The Bukhara Biennial is an illusion, an oasis in a desert of repression. Transforming unused caravanserais, madrasas, and one mosque into a maze of miniature galleries within the Uzbek city, there are moments when it is a beautiful, affecting, and wonderful mirage.
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
"The biennial is one of the most colonial inventions in contemporary art...It was born of world’s fairs & national pavilions. We turned it inside out. The Gaza Biennale is completely diasporic & dispersed, a collective act of joint production.” Do visit!
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Gaza artists' unorthodox biennial finds a home in Istanbul
The Gaza Biennale — Istanbul Pavillion, themed “A Cloud in My Hand,” reflects Gaza artists’ quest for survival as well as their hopes for a postconflict homeland.
www.al-monitor.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM
"The biennial is one of the most colonial inventions in contemporary art...It was born of world’s fairs & national pavilions. We turned it inside out. The Gaza Biennale is completely diasporic & dispersed, a collective act of joint production.” Do visit!
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
www.al-monitor.com/originals/20...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
#Turkey 🇹🇷 @bianet-eng.bsky.social reports that prosecutors are seeking prison terms for members of the all-female music group 'Manifest'. They face charges of "obscene acts" and "indecent exposure" over dances performed during a recent concert in Istanbul. buff.ly/kuvLoHK
October 14, 2025 at 11:02 AM
#Turkey 🇹🇷 @bianet-eng.bsky.social reports that prosecutors are seeking prison terms for members of the all-female music group 'Manifest'. They face charges of "obscene acts" and "indecent exposure" over dances performed during a recent concert in Istanbul. buff.ly/kuvLoHK
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Ahead of the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the @coe.int and the #EU reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances.
Joint statement by @alain-berset.coe.int and @kajakallas.bsky.social ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Joint statement by @alain-berset.coe.int and @kajakallas.bsky.social ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
October 9, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Ahead of the European and World Day against the Death Penalty, the @coe.int and the #EU reaffirm their unequivocal opposition to the death penalty, in all cases and in all circumstances.
Joint statement by @alain-berset.coe.int and @kajakallas.bsky.social ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Joint statement by @alain-berset.coe.int and @kajakallas.bsky.social ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/porta...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Europe's civil society #HumanRightsDefenders are under threat:
-Restrictive legislation
-Crackdown on activists & harassment
-Severe funding crisis
@coe.int states & non-state funders should stand up for civil society, the lifeblood & pillar of democratic society. ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
-Restrictive legislation
-Crackdown on activists & harassment
-Severe funding crisis
@coe.int states & non-state funders should stand up for civil society, the lifeblood & pillar of democratic society. ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Alarming trends: the crisis facing civil society and human rights defenders in Europe
Strasbourg 09/10/2025
www.coe.int
October 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Europe's civil society #HumanRightsDefenders are under threat:
-Restrictive legislation
-Crackdown on activists & harassment
-Severe funding crisis
@coe.int states & non-state funders should stand up for civil society, the lifeblood & pillar of democratic society. ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
-Restrictive legislation
-Crackdown on activists & harassment
-Severe funding crisis
@coe.int states & non-state funders should stand up for civil society, the lifeblood & pillar of democratic society. ⬇️
www.coe.int/en/web/commi...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
"[Musicians] demonstrate a new sincerity, a new honesty, that is a huge contrast against the awful cynicism of those in power.” An excellent piece on the Kremlin's unsuccessful attempts to suppress song.
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
Moscow Can’t Stop the Music
The Kremlin is trying to suppress songs that defy Putin’s rule. It isn’t working.
www.theatlantic.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:11 AM
"[Musicians] demonstrate a new sincerity, a new honesty, that is a huge contrast against the awful cynicism of those in power.” An excellent piece on the Kremlin's unsuccessful attempts to suppress song.
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
www.theatlantic.com/internationa...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Read Emma Shapiro's article in Hyperallergic on the Freemuse report on artistic freedom, alongside Article 19's Global Expression report. hyperallergic.com/1043369/new-...
New Reports Expose the Global Toll of Censorship
Two dossiers paint an urgent quantitative picture of the rapidly growing suppression of free expression and artistic freedom.
hyperallergic.com
September 29, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Read Emma Shapiro's article in Hyperallergic on the Freemuse report on artistic freedom, alongside Article 19's Global Expression report. hyperallergic.com/1043369/new-...
Big thanks to Emma Shapiro for her article in Hyperallergic on the recorded rise of attacks on freedom of expression and artistic freedom through the @freemuse.bsky.social and Article 19 reports. hyperallergic.com/1043369/new-...
New Reports Expose the Global Toll of Censorship
Two dossiers paint an urgent quantitative picture of the rapidly growing suppression of free expression and artistic freedom.
hyperallergic.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Big thanks to Emma Shapiro for her article in Hyperallergic on the recorded rise of attacks on freedom of expression and artistic freedom through the @freemuse.bsky.social and Article 19 reports. hyperallergic.com/1043369/new-...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Slovenian artist Maja Smrekar is suing right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party for misusing her performance art, K-9_topology: Hybrid Family, in a referendum campaign. She is defending artistic freedom and reflecting on increasing pressure for self-censorship.
www.freemuse.org/maja-smrekar...
www.freemuse.org/maja-smrekar...
Maja Smrekar: When politics and religion control women’s bodies, they control art - Freemuse
Slovenian artist Maja Smrekar is suing the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), for misusing her work – a performance in which she breastfed her puppy – during a referendum campaign on pension...
www.freemuse.org
September 24, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Slovenian artist Maja Smrekar is suing right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party for misusing her performance art, K-9_topology: Hybrid Family, in a referendum campaign. She is defending artistic freedom and reflecting on increasing pressure for self-censorship.
www.freemuse.org/maja-smrekar...
www.freemuse.org/maja-smrekar...
AICA urges Germany to protect artistic freedom while combating antisemitism, warning that current practices risk fostering de facto censorship & self-censorship in the cultural sector.
🔶 An important, well considered appraisal . Read more here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/9...
🔶 An important, well considered appraisal . Read more here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/9...
AICA Statement on Freedom of Expression in the Arts in Germany after the Hamas Attacks of October 2023 — AICA International
Headline: AICA urges Germany to protect artistic freedom while combating antisemitism, warning that current practices risk fostering de facto censorship and self-censorship in the cultural sector. ...
aicainternational.news
September 11, 2025 at 10:57 AM
AICA urges Germany to protect artistic freedom while combating antisemitism, warning that current practices risk fostering de facto censorship & self-censorship in the cultural sector.
🔶 An important, well considered appraisal . Read more here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/9...
🔶 An important, well considered appraisal . Read more here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/9...
The genocidal war, forced famine & closed borders are devastating Gaza & Palestine. Gazan artists are unable to travel, & their works cannot physically cross borders.Depo responds by hosting the Gaza Biennale featuring artists from Gaza, Palestine & beyond. www.depoistanbul.net/en/event/gaz...
GAZA BIENNALE - THE ISTANBUL PAVILION: A Cloud in My Hand - Depo İstanbul
GAZA BIENNALE – THE ISTANBUL PAVILION features the work of over 50 artists from Gaza, Palestine, and beyond. The exhibition unfolds across three floors at Depo, Istanbul during the 18th International ...
www.depoistanbul.net
September 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
The genocidal war, forced famine & closed borders are devastating Gaza & Palestine. Gazan artists are unable to travel, & their works cannot physically cross borders.Depo responds by hosting the Gaza Biennale featuring artists from Gaza, Palestine & beyond. www.depoistanbul.net/en/event/gaz...
A very deserving award to Osman Kavala in recognition of his steadfast support for cultural dialogue, human rights & the belief that the arts can bring people together across borders & differences. Shocking that Kavala has been imprisoned for almost 8 years.
www.osmankavala.org/en/statement...
www.osmankavala.org/en/statement...
The Goethe Medal 2025 Award Ceremony and Osman Kavala’s Acceptance Speech
Osman Kavala Web Sitesi
www.osmankavala.org
September 4, 2025 at 12:03 PM
A very deserving award to Osman Kavala in recognition of his steadfast support for cultural dialogue, human rights & the belief that the arts can bring people together across borders & differences. Shocking that Kavala has been imprisoned for almost 8 years.
www.osmankavala.org/en/statement...
www.osmankavala.org/en/statement...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
OPEN CALL: To the Kids Who Live - an online exhibition of work created in solidarity with Palestine. Curated by Bosla Arts’ artist-in-residence Rand Hamdallah!
Deadline 30 September 2025 🎨
Learn more & apply: www.boslaarts.com/blog/open-ca...
Deadline 30 September 2025 🎨
Learn more & apply: www.boslaarts.com/blog/open-ca...
September 3, 2025 at 9:41 AM
OPEN CALL: To the Kids Who Live - an online exhibition of work created in solidarity with Palestine. Curated by Bosla Arts’ artist-in-residence Rand Hamdallah!
Deadline 30 September 2025 🎨
Learn more & apply: www.boslaarts.com/blog/open-ca...
Deadline 30 September 2025 🎨
Learn more & apply: www.boslaarts.com/blog/open-ca...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
The International Association of Art Critics (AICA International) expresses deep concern and protests the recent conviction of cultural manager Sebastián Coronel, head of the independent space La Chispa in Asunción, Paraguay.
Read the statement here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/8...
Read the statement here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/8...
Statement Against the Conviction of Sebastian Coronel, Head of the independent space La Chispa in Asunción — AICA International
The International Association of Art Critics (AICA International), wishes to express its deep concern and protest at the recent conviction of cultural manager Sebastián Coronel, head of the independen...
aicainternational.news
September 1, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The International Association of Art Critics (AICA International) expresses deep concern and protests the recent conviction of cultural manager Sebastián Coronel, head of the independent space La Chispa in Asunción, Paraguay.
Read the statement here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/8...
Read the statement here:
aicainternational.news/agora/2025/8...
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
More than 150 US cultural organisations, joined by hundreds of artists, have pledged to resist political pressure on programming and to stand with institutions facing government scrutiny.
buff.ly/LRhP308
buff.ly/LRhP308
August 26, 2025 at 6:31 PM
More than 150 US cultural organisations, joined by hundreds of artists, have pledged to resist political pressure on programming and to stand with institutions facing government scrutiny.
buff.ly/LRhP308
buff.ly/LRhP308
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Over a year after Vail, Colorado, cancelled an artist residency over a pro-Palestine artwork, Indigenous painter Danielle SeeWalker has settled a civil rights lawsuit brought by the ACLU.
Colorado Town Settles With Native Artist Who Brought Free Speech Lawsuit
The town of Vail canceled Danielle SeeWalker’s residency last year after she shared an unrelated painting in support of Palestine on her Instagram.
hyperallergic.com
August 26, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Over a year after Vail, Colorado, cancelled an artist residency over a pro-Palestine artwork, Indigenous painter Danielle SeeWalker has settled a civil rights lawsuit brought by the ACLU.
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
One year ago, Chinese artist and U.S. resident Gao Zhen was detained in Hebei, China. He remains in prison without trial, his health failing, his family silenced. Freemuse joins sixteen other rights organisations to demand his immediate release.
See the joint statement here:
hrf.org/latest/joint...
See the joint statement here:
hrf.org/latest/joint...
August 27, 2025 at 11:11 AM
One year ago, Chinese artist and U.S. resident Gao Zhen was detained in Hebei, China. He remains in prison without trial, his health failing, his family silenced. Freemuse joins sixteen other rights organisations to demand his immediate release.
See the joint statement here:
hrf.org/latest/joint...
See the joint statement here:
hrf.org/latest/joint...
Delighted that I shall be there wearing two hats: 1 - for the presentation of the @freemuse.bsky.social 'Ideas-Deliberative Democracy' session 'Building Bridges - Defending Artistic Freedom & 2 - for the @coe.int Free to Create Project under the 'Time for Creativity' sessions.
Join us in person for the 13th World Forum for Democracy!
📍 Strasbourg, France
🗓️ 5 to 7 November 2025
This year's theme is "Democracy at risk: how can we revive it?". More info: www.coe.int/en/web/world...
📌 Registration: badge-request.coe.int?frm=MU705861...
#CoE_WFD
📍 Strasbourg, France
🗓️ 5 to 7 November 2025
This year's theme is "Democracy at risk: how can we revive it?". More info: www.coe.int/en/web/world...
📌 Registration: badge-request.coe.int?frm=MU705861...
#CoE_WFD
August 13, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Delighted that I shall be there wearing two hats: 1 - for the presentation of the @freemuse.bsky.social 'Ideas-Deliberative Democracy' session 'Building Bridges - Defending Artistic Freedom & 2 - for the @coe.int Free to Create Project under the 'Time for Creativity' sessions.
Reposted by Sara Whyatt
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the unlawful arrest & “pre-trial detention” of Egyptian cartoonist Ashraf Omar.
Alongside our colleagues @cartoonistsrights.org @cartooningforpeace.bsky.social, we once again take the opportunity to call for his immediate & unconditional release.
Alongside our colleagues @cartoonistsrights.org @cartooningforpeace.bsky.social, we once again take the opportunity to call for his immediate & unconditional release.
July 22, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the unlawful arrest & “pre-trial detention” of Egyptian cartoonist Ashraf Omar.
Alongside our colleagues @cartoonistsrights.org @cartooningforpeace.bsky.social, we once again take the opportunity to call for his immediate & unconditional release.
Alongside our colleagues @cartoonistsrights.org @cartooningforpeace.bsky.social, we once again take the opportunity to call for his immediate & unconditional release.