Florida College Should Reschedule Photography Exhibit after Dispute Over Reasons for its Cancellation
"As a public college, Daytona has an obligation to uphold academic and artistic freedom; if the revelations in this [anonymous] letter are true, it is a democratic imperative that… More
Sentencing of Iranian Actresses Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan is a “Cruel” Blow to Their Artistic Freedom, says PEN America
Julie Trebault, director, Artists at Risk Connection at PEN America, said: "The cruel sentencing and bans inflicted upon Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan exemplify the Iranian authorities' calculated assault… More
New Report Calls for Greater Protections for Threatened Artists on the Frontlines of Social and Political Change Worldwide
“With their unique ability to challenge dominant narratives, bring people together, and foster hope in a brighter future, socially engaged artists are a critical part of the battle to… More
Artist Coalition Day of Action 6/15 in New York City Advocates for Robust Online Protections for Artists
ARC Director Julie Trebault said: “Artists rely on social media to promote their work, connect with followers, and earn a living. Unfortunately, art is arbitrarily suppressed or taken down… More
PEN America: Sweeping Ban on Drag Performances in Montana In Effect Criminalizes a Wide Range of Artistic Choices
Jonathan Friedman, director of PEN America’s Free Expression and Education Programs, said: “In their effort to censor drag and LGBTQ+ expression, Montana legislators have enacted a law that is… More
PEN America and Amani: Africa Creative Defence Network Call on Ugandan President to Veto Anti-LGBTQI Rights Law, Condemning it as a Serious Strike Against Free Expression
“We have seen a troubling rise in cases of Ugandan artists and cultural professionals who have been arrested merely on the grounds of telling the stories of LGBTQI+ communities… More
Removal of Art About Abortion at Idaho College is a “Slap in the Face” to Academic and Artistic Freedom, Says PEN America
“Lewis-Clark State College’s decision to pull artworks from an exhibit on urgent challenges in healthcare today is a slap in the face to academic and artistic freedom; it undermines… More
Closing of Art Exhibit about Racism at Arkansas Tech U Deprives Campus of Opportunity to Engage with it
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in the Free Expression and Education program, made the following comments: “That art dealing with racism in America has impacted viewers in different ways is understandable.… More
Indictment of Iranian Rap Artist Toomaj Salehi for Music Supporting Protests is “Obscene and Horrifying,” Says PEN America
(NEW YORK)— PEN America today condemned the indictment in Iran of rap artist Toomaj Salehi, who could face the death penalty for songs he wrote in support of ongoing mass… More
Rising Restrictions on Artistic Freedom in Africa Linked to Political Crises, Flawed Elections and Covid
“Over the last few years in Africa, we have witnessed disturbing attacks on artists from around the continent, accompanied by widespread and pernicious efforts to dampen the right to… More