The Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) is thrilled to announce the second edition of its PANAF Summit, scheduled for February 14-16, 2025, in Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Organised by Selam in partnership with the Artist at Risk Connection (ARC), the summit seeks to foster meaningful discussions on artistic freedom and establish collaborative structures that empower artists across the continent. This edition draws on the momentum from the inaugural summit held in February 2024, which successfully brought together artists, policymakers, and advocates to engage in impactful conversations about the significance of artistic expression as a fundamental human right.
Keynote speaker Fumba Chama (a.k.a. pilAto), Permanent Secretary in Zambia’s Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts, emphasised the role of governments in supporting or stifling artistic freedom. He highlighted Zambia’s recent policy changes, including the removal of defamation laws, as a progressive step towards creating an environment where artists can thrive.
According to the 2024 Artistic Freedom Index released by the Coalition for Artistic Freedom, a staggering 75% of African countries still impose restrictions on artistic expression, making this summit timely and vital. The PANAF Summit 2025 aims to tackle these challenges, offering a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collective action.
Participants can expect a dynamic program filled with keynote addresses from renowned thought leaders, as well as panels and focused groups that will facilitate discussions on policy development and advocacy strategies.
“The summit is designed to serve as a collaborative space for artists, activists, and cultural leaders to share insights and forge partnerships to promote artistic freedom,” said Selam executive director Teshome Wondimu. “We are particularly excited about our partnership with the Artist at Risk Connection, whose extensive experience in supporting artists at risk will enrich our discussions and initiatives. Together, we hope to equip artists and stakeholders with the tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of artistic rights in Africa.”
The summit will focus on developing concrete, actionable commitments towards artistic freedom from the spectrum of participants. Anticipated outcomes include strengthening networks between artists and cultural stakeholders, developing policy recommendations that advance artistic freedom, and expanding networks and communities of support for artists at risk. Participants will also gain knowledge from experts on effective advocacy strategies, enabling them to become champions for artistic rights in their communities.
The first edition of the PANAF Summit was a significant milestone in uniting various stakeholders under a shared vision for artistic freedom, providing a platform for discussions on pressing issues while nurturing an active network committed to advocating for artists across Africa. The momentum generated at that event will undoubtedly carry forward into the 2025 summit, amplifying our collective voice for change.
Registration for the PANAF Summit 2025 is now open. We invite artists, human rights organizations, policymakers, and the general public to participate in this crucial dialogue. Join us as we work together to create a vibrant ecosystem where artistic expression is celebrated, protected, and allowed to thrive.
Please note that delegates will be responsible for their own accommodation, flight tickets, and local transportation. Lunch will be provided at the conference venue.
To register for the summit, click here. Deadline is 17 January 2025.
Ok
Fine
Such nice opportunity for young youth to build capacity in their sustainable Carriers
Excellent
I would like to attend