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About

Learn about PANAF

The Pan-African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) is an initiative advocating for freedom of artistic expression in the creative sector. PANAF seeks to establish an inclusive voice for organisations, artists and culture producers to demand for safe and enabling environments for artistic creativity in the society.

PANAF was founded by Selam, a non-profit cultural organisation founded in 1997. Pan-African in its nature, Selam is headquartered in Sweden with offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Nairobi, Kenya. Over the years, the organisation has grown and developed into an international actor, collaborating with artists, cultural producers, the private sector, the media, institutions, researchers as well as national and regional authorities across the African continent. Additionally, Selam engages in global and African culture networks and exchanges experiences with a broad spectrum of networking meetings and pan-African conferences in Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia.

Vision

Our vision is that of a creative sector where culture workers freely exchange ideas as they engage in creative practice and service without fear of discrimination or persecution.

Mission

Our mission is to build the capacity and break the isolation of individual artists and culture groups, linking them with other culture actors and civil society organisations. Based on different national advocacy experiences, the network will build knowledge among members on how to use international, regional and national human rights frameworks in advocacy for legal reforms and mechanisms protecting artistic freedom.

Vision

Our vision is that of a creative sector where culture workers freely exchange ideas as they engage in creative practice and service without fear of discrimination or persecution.

Mission

Our mission is to build the capacity and break the isolation of individual artists and culture groups, linking them with other culture actors and civil society organisations. Based on different national advocacy experiences, the network will build knowledge among members on how to use international, regional and national human rights frameworks in advocacy for legal reforms and mechanisms protecting artistic freedom.

Focus Areas

Research, Monitoring & Documentation

Commissioning experts to map & assess freedom of creative expression in order to examine the factors that allow or restrict artistic expression for artists and cultural professionals.

Lobbying &
Advocacy

We support policies that promote the protection of artistic creations or artistic creativity as a form of free expression.

Productions &
Events

We organise summits and cultural events on a national and regional level to join together members of the network with the mission to advance artistic freedom and cultural rights on the African continent.

Capacity Building & Training

Seminars, workshops and training on a national and regional level are organised to build the capacity of artists.

Active Countries

PANAF will be implemented in eight African countries in partnership with cultural and human rights organisations, with intentions to expand to other African countries in the future.

Partners:

Pearlwood (Uganda)

Pearlwood is Uganda’s national association for film professionals and practitioners, committed to strengthening the local film industry through advocacy, capacity building, and collaborative opportunities. The organization plays a central role in professionalizing the Ugandan film sector while promoting indigenous storytelling and advancing the rights and welfare of filmmakers.

As a PANAF partner, Pearlwood works to defend artistic freedom, promote equitable creative rights, and advocate for enabling environments for artists across Uganda.

Selam Ethiopia (Ethiopia)

Selam Ethiopia is a cultural organization dedicated to strengthening the Ethiopian creative sector through capacity development, policy engagement, and international collaboration. As part of the broader Selam platform, it facilitates cross-border cultural exchange and supports artists and cultural institutions to thrive within a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem.

As a PANAF partner, Selam Ethiopia champions the protection of artistic freedom and supports regional coordination to ensure cultural rights are upheld in Ethiopia and beyond.

Nhimbe Trust (Zimbabwe)

Nhimbe Trust is a leading arts advocacy organization in Zimbabwe focused on cultural policy, creative rights, and freedom of expression. It champions the role of arts and culture in sustainable development, working through research, community programs, and regional partnerships to influence cultural governance and policy reform.

As a PANAF partner, Nhimbe Trust plays a key role in monitoring violations of artistic freedom and advocating for legislative change that protects creative expression.

The People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ) (Zambia)

PAAGZ is a civic organization that promotes transparency, citizen participation, and accountable governance. Alongside its core governance work, it engages artists and cultural practitioners to use creative platforms—such as theatre and music—to raise awareness on social justice and human rights. This integration of the arts into advocacy reflects PAAGZ’s belief in culture as a vehicle for public dialogue and civic mobilization. Alongside its core focus on democratic development and public resource monitoring, PAAGZ recognizes the cultural sector as a critical space for civic expression and dialogue. It engages artists, creatives, and cultural practitioners as agents of change—using theatre, music, and other creative platforms to raise awareness on social justice, governance, and human rights.

As a PANAF partner, PAAGZ promotes artistic freedom and strengthens the role of artists as drivers of social change and democratic accountability.

01-Logo-EMSAU
A FEMICC, congrega organizações ligadas ao sector privado das indústrias culturais e criativas.
Uganda Musicians Association

Supported by:

Become a Partner in the Panaf Network

Organisations based in Africa that share our mission to promote artistic freedom and support the cultural and creative sectors are welcomed to join the Panaf network. Whether you’re a network, association, NGO, private entity, or public institution, you can be part of Panaf – as long as you represent a broader group and are aligned with our values.

As a partner, you’ll play a vital role in:

  • Supporting or co-implementing Panaf activities and campaigns
  • Shaping strategies through regular consultations
    Sharing expertise to strengthen monitoring of artistic freedom
  • Mobilising communities and peers around shared goals
What you gain
  • Greater visibility via our website, social media, webinars, and publications
  • Access to capacity-building workshops, peer learning, and support
  • Invitations to key events like our webinars and Annual Summit
  • A collaborative space to connect with decision-makers and cultural actors across the continent
What we expect

Panaf partners are expected to uphold values of inclusion and transparency, and adhere to a basic code of conduct. Active participation in meetings, surveys, and email communication is key to remaining part of the network.

Panaf does not offer automatic grants or financial incentives. Participation should be driven by a shared commitment to the network’s mission.

To become a partner, an organisation must have a valid Memorandum of Understanding with Selam.

Interested in joining?

Reach out to us for more information – we’d love to hear from you.

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© 2023 Pan-African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF)

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