NEMO's participation in developing the platform ensures that museums and other cultural institutions are considered in discussions on freedom of expression. Museums play a critical role in fostering independent thought, preserving cultural heritage, and reflecting diverse narratives. However, as indicated in the NEMO Barometer on political influence, museums increasingly face challenges such as budget cuts, governance interference, and political narrative control, which threaten their autonomy and the integrity of their work.
The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Board took place today 3 April, setting the stage for crucial discussions on the future functioning of the platform. Key topics on the agenda included:
- Connecting networks: Enhancing collaboration between transnational, national cultural institutions, civil society, and artists.
- Staying up to date: Providing regular updates on current developments affecting artistic freedom.
- Engaging communities: Ensuring the platform fosters active participation and community engagement.
The Free to Create Platform will be developed to serve as a comprehensive resource hub, offering real-time and in-depth analysis alongside practical tools to support artists, cultural workers, and institutions in safeguarding artistic freedom. It is set to officially launch by the end of the year.
