Artistic freedoms i.e. the right to imagine, create, and distribute diverse cultural expressions without censorship, political interference, or economic pressure is a vital component of democratic societies. In Africa, this right is under increasing strain from shrinking civic space, political suppression, and economic challenges. Yet across the continent, artists, cultural workers, and civil society actors continue to push boundaries and spark conversations that shape our collective future. At the forefront of this continental effort is the Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF), a network of civil society organizations, artists, and other cultural practitioners dedicated to protecting and advancing artistic freedom across Africa. PANAF recently completed a baseline survey among its network members which offers valuable insights into the state of artistic freedom and the role of PANAF in strengthening the same in Africa.
A Unique Platform for a Shared Cause
One of the strongest messages from the survey was the recognition of PANAF as a much-needed platform for continental coordination and visibility. Respondents who included representatives from Government bodies, civil society organizations, artist collectives, and human rights groups expressed appreciation for the role PANAF plays in amplifying the voice of the creative sector at national, regional, and continental levels.
By connecting national movements to regional and continental agendas, PANAF is helping to frame artistic freedom as a human rights issue, rather than a niche concern of the arts sector. This framing is crucial for influencing policy, mobilizing resources, and fostering solidarity across borders.
Bridging Knowledge Gaps through Research and Capacity Building
PANAF’s knowledge hubs such as the Research reports on the state of artistic freedom in eight countries in Africa have emerged as vital tools for advocacy. These resources help civil society actors engage with policymakers and the public using credible data and regional insights. Training events and webinars as well as the Annual Panaf Summit organized by PANAF were also commended for enhancing partners’ skills and visibility.
However, the survey revealed significant gaps in access to these resources. Francophone and partners from North Africa reported feeling left behind, noting that most training sessions, opportunities for engagements and documents are delivered primarily in English. This limits participation and hampers the development of localized advocacy strategies. This feedback highlights the importance of multilingual engagement and culturally responsive programming if PANAF is to fulfill its goal of being a truly pan-African network.
Strengthening Communication and Peer Learning
Respondents expressed a strong desire for more consistent and structured communication from PANAF. While many praised the organization’s events and campaigns, they noted that updates are often sporadic, and opportunities for peer learning are underutilized.
Partners recommended that PANAF establish regular newsletters, discussion forums, and regional meetings to maintain momentum and build a stronger sense of community. Peer learning, especially across regions, was seen as essential for scaling advocacy strategies and adapting to shifting political contexts.
The Resource Challenge: Advocacy on a Shoestring Budget
Advocating for artistic freedom requires not just passion and commitment, but also heavy financial investments. The survey revealed that many PANAF partners are struggling to sustain their advocacy efforts due to limited funding. “We are expected to defend artists’ rights, monitor violations, and run campaigns—but with what money?” asked one respondent.
There was a clear call for PANAF to take a more active role in resource mobilization. By leveraging its continental status, PANAF could help elevate national concerns to regional funders and policy platforms.
The Legal Conundrum; Laws and Policies at Cross Purpose with Artistic Freedom
The most common challenge the respondents talked about was the use of legal frameworks (laws and policies) by most Governments to stifle and/or to muzzle artistic freedom. Majority of the respondents thus felt there was an urgent need for the network to capacitate its members on how to counter this latest affront on artistic freedom by building members capacity to engage on legal and policy advocacy and ensure that laws passed are progressive and not an affront to creativity and freedom of expression.
Toward a Stronger and More Inclusive Network
The findings from this baseline survey underscore both the strengths and the challenges of the PANAF network. On the one hand, PANAF is seen as a powerful, unifying force for artistic freedom advocacy in Africa. On the other hand, the survey calls attention to the need for deeper inclusion, clearer communication, stronger resource support, and a more defined strategic direction.
In response, PANAF has already begun reviewing its internal systems and exploring ways to better engage partners in all regions. Plans are underway to expand to other regions other than East and West Africa, there are plans to improve digital engagement platforms, and offer technical support for fundraising and advocacy strategy.
Why This Matters
Artistic freedom is not just about artists it is about the societies they help shape. When artists are free to question, provoke, and imagine, societies become more resilient, democratic, and inclusive. The baseline findings affirm that protecting this freedom requires organized, well-resourced, and inclusive advocacy. As governments, civil society, and the public consider the future of democratic freedoms in Africa, artistic freedom must be part of the conversation. Networks like PANAF are proving that, with the right support and coordination, creative voices can help build a more just and open continent.
Get Involved
If you are an artist, cultural worker, or civil society organization interested in artistic freedom, consider connecting with PANAF. Whether through advocacy, research, or creative collaboration, there is space for everyone in this growing movement for cultural rights and expression in Africa.
