The Cultural Mobility Flows Report explores the international mobility of Indigenous artists and arts professionals, examining how they circulate across borders and contribute to global cultural exchange. By addressing key factors shaping their experiences, the report provides a comprehensive view of the opportunities, challenges, and cultural implications surrounding the movement of Indigenous arts workers worldwide.
The report emphasises that international mobility is more than professional exchange: it is a catalyst for rediscovery, reconnection and decolonisation for many Indigenous creatives. Nevertheless, persistent barriers restrict access. Visa and immigration requirements, language obstacles, limited funding and administrative systems that fail to recognise Indigenous identity all pose challenges. Artists also report pressures to conform to external expectations, alongside risks of tokenism and cultural misappropriation.
To address these issues, the report recommends embedding Indigenous leadership in programme design, ensuring accessible application processes, and respecting cultural protocols. Policymakers at European, national and local levels are encouraged to strengthen funding streams, recognise Indigenous cultural rights, and develop inclusive visa and administrative systems. These measures aim to ensure that international cultural mobility is not only accessible to well-resourced practitioners, but also to grassroots Indigenous artists working within their communities.
By highlighting both the opportunities and systemic barriers faced by Indigenous artists, the report underlines the uneven nature of cultural mobility while pointing towards pathways for more equitable and inclusive international exchange. Inclusive practices, respect for Indigenous knowledge, and supportive policy frameworks can transform mobility into a tool for empowerment, creative expression and intercultural dialogue.
