ARC releases Safety Guide for Artists

ARC is an artist rights organisation founded by PEN America, an NPO working at the intersection of literature and human rights. 

The guide was launched earlier this month to help artists navigate, counter and overcome threats and persecution from those seeking to silence their voices – especially in recent times when a rise in global activism has led to a simultaneous increase in the risks of speaking out.

“This year, we’ve seen an explosion of protest movements worldwide, but also the desperate attempts by governments to unjustly and at times violently muzzle artistic freedom and dissent,” ARC director Julie Trebault said. “Artists have been leaders in the global movement for rights and justice, and are often targeted for arrest, detention, kidnapping and even murder.

She added: “The potency of creative expression in kindling passions and changing minds makes regimes view artists as threatening. We hope that our guide will be a go-to resource for those facing danger and for the organisations worldwide doing their utmost to protect artistic freedom expression.”

The 154-page manual’s recommendations were informed by ARC’s experience in connecting artists at risk to assistance as well as the vast knowledge of its global network of partners working to defend artistic freedom – whose research, campaigns and collaborations provided key information. Some 13 artists who have previously faced persecution were interviewed, including Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, Cuban performance artist Tania Bruguera, Lebanese singer Hamed Sinno, and American visual artist Dread Scott. 

ARC lists censorship, harassment, violence, assault, sanctions, fines and travel bans as the most common threats faced by artists. In these threats, the most common perpetrators are governments, political groups, the police, military, extremist groups, fundamentalist communities and even neighbours or family. 

Women, LGBT people, those with disabilities, seniors, migrants or refugees, and members of religious, ethnic or linguistic minorities are the most vulnerable groups to threats. 

ARC says that artists at risk should always anticipate and be prepared for the worst. It provides an overview of the field of support available to such artists, as well as a list of resources. It also proposes minimising visibility as a target, setting up a plan and support network, and ensuring financial security, as some of the strategies for developing a personal safety plan. 

The Safety Guide for Artists is available in English, French and Spanish. 

Download the English version below (PDF).