Free to Create –Create to be Free

The project is a follow-up to the 30th Council of Europe Art Exhibition “The Desire for Freedom: Art in Europe since 1945” (2012-15), drawing attention to the significance of arts and culture and their interrelation with the right for freedom of expression, as expressed in Article 10 of the ECHR, in upholding Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law. This digital #exhibition provides a fresh view promoting the importance of freedom of artistic expression and the role of art, culture and heritage in these times when democracy is under great pressure from the regional and global challenges relating to political, economic, technological and environmental issues Massive disinformation on the internet and the fabrication of myths, the spread of far-right movements, growing inequality, the degradation of the environment and climate change as a result of CO2 emissions, to name but a few.. It also provides an innovative means to communicate on and disseminate Council of Europe values.

As the COVID-19-crisis has already shown, freedom of artistic expression is systemically relevant for functioning democratic institutions and environments; arts and culture are essential for well-being, fostering democratic processes and raising awareness for human rights. Accessibility and outreach of arts and culture can be widened exponentially by the Council of Europe's digital #exhibition.

By creating a digital #exhibition with works of art by artists from participating States, the Council of Europe offers an opportunity to:

1. demonstrate the interrelation between art, culture, heritage and freedom of expression as a fundamental human right, and thus highlighting the significance of the role of arts, culture, heritage and creativity in promoting human rights and fostering democratic values in society;
2. facilitate the mutual understanding of different perspectives reflecting various applications of freedom of artistic expression and representing the diversities of cultural expressions by engaging with artistic works from a multitude of participating States;
3. raise the level of debate and transnational exchange on the topic of freedom of expression, encouraging participating States to formulate creative solutions and supportive reactions in their own countries;
4. constitute a better understanding of the challenges relating to freedom of expression and human rights in today’s society, by inspiring critical reflection on artistic freedom related to political, economic, technological and environmental issues;
5. make full use of the great potential and opportunities of digital technologies for wide-spread communication on the exhibition and its featured art works, as well as for innovative creations, creative processes and new productions;
6. offer forward-looking formats on how to present visibility for artists working on the major issues of today’s societies, linking the presentation of artistic practice with a communication and interactive reflection-space.

The digital #exhibition, organised and overviewed by the CDCPP of the Council of Europe provides complete global digital access. The exhibition will also be displayed at the Palais de l’Europe in Strasbourg.

Participating States will be guided within the following parameters:

• The exhibition includes one to two artistic works per participating State and specifically feature the works offered by the incoming and outgoing member State holding the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers;
• The selection of the national exhibit is organised in a multi-stakeholder consultation process, involving civil society and art professionals. Thus, the process will result in co-operation between government (Ministry of Culture) and independent cultural organisations, curators or other institutions in the field of arts and culture;
• The digital #exhibition is accessible online worldwide and can be displayed as an installative “kiosk-version” in museums, art academies, art biennials and other relevant cultural institutions in interested participating States;
• Access to the digital #exhibition in its kiosk-version is planned to be offered in different locations at the Council of Europe’s headquarters in Strasbourg;
• The exhibition is being coordinated and communicated by the Council of Europe on the digital platform, ensuring that the diversity of the artistic projects remains vivid and at the same time does not lose sight of the overall concept.

Information pack and guidelines for member states to submit artworks: EN/FR

• Matjaz Gruden – Director of Democratic Participation, Council of Europe
• Ivana Hrdas Papadopoulos – Idea, management & coordination
• Kata Krasznahorkai – Expert advisor and scientific coordination
• Olivia Solis – Design concept and graphics
• Milutin Marinovic & Dragoslav Miletic – Development
• Christo Buschek – Development consultant
• Vladan Joler – Artistic consultant
• Kathrin Merkle – Former Head of the Culture and Heritage