The Pan African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) and the Rwanda Arts Council have unveiled a new report, titled, An Assessment of Artistic Freedom: Rwanda, which sheds light on the current state of freedom of artistic expression and proposes practical solutions for artists, audiences, and advocates in defending their rights to free expression.
The report identified several significant barriers to the promotion and protection of artistic freedom. One major source of concern was the existence of divergent views on cultural values, with certain aspects of modern arts and creativity perceived by the general public as unconventional and strange. Furthermore, critics frequently expressed their displeasure with modern music lyrics and videos, claiming that they promoted immorality. Religious beliefs were discovered to influence the perception and acceptance of artistic expression, particularly among Roman Catholics and Protestants. The study also emphasized the importance of artists being aware of their historical context, particularly the recent genocide against the Tutsi, in order to avoid potential controversies related to language and subject matter.
The study also revealed major challenges to professional development within the artistic community. Local artists faced limited opportunities to maximise their potential for growth and profit, as well as difficulties competing on the international stage. Inadequate financial resources were identified as a major barrier, with many artists struggling to generate consistent direct and indirect revenue. Furthermore, there was a clear geographical imbalance in cultural infrastructure, with high-quality facilities concentrated in Kigali, leaving other regions underserved.
Another discovery was the lack of an acknowledged professional status for artists, resulting in a lack of clear criteria and labour benefits such as fair remuneration, allowances, and social security entitlements. The study also drew attention to the discrimination that LGBTQI people face in society, necessitating the need for them to conceal their sexual identity and expression. While the 2003 constitution, revised in 2015, emphasises protection against all forms of discrimination, traditional and conservative values remain prevalent in Rwandan society.
The study made a number of recommendations to address these pressing issues. To improve artists’ and cultural practitioners’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities, capacity-building programs were proposed. Efforts to foster a supportive environment for artists were also suggested, as were increased investments in the cultural and creative sectors. Measures to ensure the geographic distribution of cultural infrastructure, as well as the enforcement of copyright protections, were also identified as critical steps toward protecting artistic expression.
This ground-breaking research study provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges that artists face, as well as concrete recommendations for protecting and promoting artistic freedom. With these insights and actionable solutions, stakeholders such as artists, audiences, and policymakers can work together to create an environment in Rwanda that respects and encourages artistic expression.
The PANAF project is being implemented with the support of the Swedish Arts Council.
The full report is available here:
