The Pan-African Network for Artistic Freedom (PANAF) project, which began in 2021, is moving into Phase Two with continued support from the Swedish Arts Council (SAC) and new backing from the Swedish Institute. This second phase, which will run from 2024 to 2027, builds on the successes of Phase One, expanding efforts to monitor and protect artistic freedom across Africa.
In Phase One, PANAF made significant strides in promoting artistic freedom, publishing eight detailed reports on legal and institutional frameworks. These reports provided recommendations and formed the foundation for PANAF’s advocacy efforts. The creation of a dedicated resource website allowed artists and cultural professionals to report violations, engage in discussions, and share socially conscious content. Gender equity was a major focus, with commissioned articles on women in the arts and profiles of advocacy-driven artists.
“We are grateful to the Swedish Arts Council for their continued support, which has been instrumental in advancing art on the continent, especially in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and The Gambia,” said Selam Executive Director, Teshome Wondimu. “This renewed partnership marks an exciting new chapter for PANAF, and we are optimistic about the success of this next phase.”
The second phase of PANAF, now backed by the Swedish Institute (SI) through the Creative Partnership Programme, will intensify advocacy efforts in Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. A new initiative, “PANAF Talks,” will facilitate both in-person and virtual discussions between artists, policymakers, and civil society organizations. These hybrid symposiums will provide a critical platform for addressing artistic freedoms and cultural rights. Public advocacy efforts will be enhanced through creative campaigns using infographics and creative expressions to raise awareness.
Additionally, PANAF will promote regional policy development by advocating for the adoption of a Declaration of Principles and Guidelines on Cultural Rights. This initiative aims to weave artistic freedom into broader human rights policies across Africa. Collaborations with key bodies, such as the African Commission’s Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR) Working Group, will further influence policy discussions.
Wondimu underscored the importance of regional cooperation. “Our work is not just national; it’s about fostering regional cooperation and policy development. We hope to influence policy discussions that create an environment where artists can freely express themselves and where cultural rights are recognised as fundamental human rights.”
At a national level, planned activities include panel discussions, cultural performances, and workshops, blending artistic expression with advocacy for legislative reforms. The enhanced PANAF digital platform will also serve as a hub for sharing resources, documentation of violations and reporting artistic freedom abuses. Special attention will be given to youth and women, with efforts to promote gender equity through training and targeted initiatives.
PANAF will be partnering with organizations that are already part of the PANAF network such as, such as PAAGZ in Zambia, Selam Ethiopia, Pearlwood in Uganda, and Nhimbe Trust in Zimbabwe.
Phase Two will also see the annual PANAF Summit, providing a space for networking and strategy discussions. The Summit, scheduled for between 14 and 16 February 2025, promises to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the continent and internationally to further the discussion on artistic freedom and cultural rights across the continent and beyond.
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. For more information, visit the PANAF Website.