On behalf of Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the second edition of the PANAF Summit on Artistic Freedom. This year’s summit builds on the powerful momentum of our inaugural gathering, uniting artists, policymakers, and advocates from across Africa and beyond to champion artistic freedom as a fundamental human right.

ARC is deeply honored to co-organize this summit alongside Selam, whose visionary leadership has created this critical space for dialogue and action. At ARC, we work to defend and advance the right to artistic freedom, providing at-risk artists with the resources and support they need to thrive in the face of profound challenges. Africa is a continent of immense creative power, but one where artists too often grapple with censorship, systemic inequities, and socio-political barriers that stifle their voices and constrain their potential.

This Summit is more than a venue for conversation—it is a platform for action. Together, we will explore the nuanced realities of artistic freedom across the African continent. We aim to strengthen regional and global alliances, craft inclusive and forward-thinking policies, and deepen our collective resolve to protect and amplify the voices that not only reflect but shape the societies we inhabit.

Thank you for joining us in this critical work; your active engagement throughout the panels and workshops will help enrich the discussion and shape the outcomes of this gathering. Together, we can amplify the power of art and creativity as forces for progress and change.

Warm regards,