The publication ‘Policy and Practice in the EU: Pathways, Impediments and Patchwork Solutions (Volume 2 Cultural Policy Analysis)’, written by Elena Polivtseva and Franziska Stambke, is the second of four publications from On the Move’s research and action project, which focuses on the situation of at-risk and displaced artists.
This report provides an in-depth examination of the diverse initiatives, frameworks, and support mechanisms implemented by the national governments of the 27 European Union (EU) Member States, encompassing ministries of culture, arts councils, and other pertinent agencies, to aid these artists. The goal is to pinpoint effective strategies that embody the essence of the Council of the European Union’s 2023 conclusions on at-risk and displaced artists, whether these strategies were shaped by the conclusions or existed beforehand.
This cultural policy analysis maps out existing support schemes, highlights success factors, and identifies gaps, thereby enabling support organisations and institutions to effectively monitor their programmes, share innovative solutions, and update policies and initiatives as required.
Drawing from the Council conclusions on at-risk and displaced artists in May 2023, as well as the analysis of tools, measures, schemes, and programmes developed and delivered by national governments of the 27 EU Member States, several critical learning points emerge in the following areas:
- Availability and distribution of support
- Barriers to accessing support
- Ownership and origins of support mechanisms
- Geographic inclusivity
- Complementarity and a holistic approach
- The cross-border dimension
- Artists’ voices
- Strategic leadership on artistic freedom
While emergency interventions for at-risk artists must be expanded, addressing the root causes of artistic repression and insecurity is equally important. The EU and its Member States could take a leading role in defending artistic freedom globally, advocating for safe environments for creatives, developing training tools for rights protection, and emphasising the intrinsic value of arts and culture. Importantly, these priorities should be translated into concrete actions within the EU itself, beyond symbolic political statements.
The year-long research project is co-funded by the European Union, part of On the Move’s multiannual programme ‘New Solidarities’.
Other publications in the series Situations of At-risk and Displaced Artists and Culture Professionals:
