In June 2024, ARC, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Museum, Taiwan (NHRM) and the Federation for International Human Rights Museums – Asia Pacific (FIHRM-AP), organized a closed-door workshop titled “Past, Present and Future: Art and Freedom of Creative Expression.” Held at the Jing-Mei Memorial Park and Museum in Taipei, the workshop spanned two days, on June 18 and 19, and brought together 15 artists and cultural practitioners from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Nepal.

Fifteen artists and cultural practitioners attended the workshop, including representatives from ARC and partnering organizations. The workshop aimed to strengthen ARC’s regional network, fostering connections with local artists, grassroots collectives, and initiatives, particularly in Taiwan and Hong Kong. ARC also intended for this gathering to help deepen its understanding of the state of artistic freedom and the challenges faced by artists and cultural practitioners in the region. The first day of the workshop was dedicated to facilitating open discussions on themes intersecting art, social justice, human rights, and community action, with specific emphasis on identifying the kind of risks facing artists and cultural practitioners, their experiences with censorship in their specific communities, along with resources and opportunities for support. The second day included a guided tour of the National Human Rights Museum – Jing-Mei White Terror Memorial Park and several presentations that highlighted the intersection between art and human rights. Notable presentations included:

• Story of Kao Yi-shen: Mr. KAO Ying-chieh shared his father’s story, a musician and victim of the White Terror era, supported by Mr. LEE Evan, who designed a music workshop to convey these historical experiences through songs.
• Interactive Workshop: Led by Ms. TSAI Yi-Ju, participants explored human rights through music and body rhythms, fostering a deeper understanding of these themes.

Throughout the workshop, participants were encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives on a range of issues, including human rights, artistic freedom, gender justice, indigenous rights, and free expression. Key takeaways from these discussions highlighted the complex landscape artists navigate in their pursuit of creative expression and social justice. A recurring theme was the hesitation and self-censorship participants experienced when discussing and creatively articulating subjects related to democracy and social justice. More experienced practitioners shared their struggles with historical and socio-cultural restrictions. For instance, they highlighted the difficulties faced by women in freely discussing socio-political issues or creative subjects within the home, often constrained by patriarchal values. Another significant concern was the challenge of securing funding for projects that address critical socio-political issues. Participants discussed the limitations imposed by local donors and foundations, leading to a form of market censorship or self-censorship. Participants across different regions shared this sentiment, emphasizing the need for broader support for artistic endeavors that challenge societal norms and advocate for human rights. Participants also expressed the need for safe spaces to openly discuss politics, creative freedom, and human rights. The sentiment was echoed by participants from Hong Kong, who shared their experiences of navigating the National Security Law and the pressures of surveillance, which had led some to relocate to Taiwan.

On a hopeful note, emerging artists in Taiwan and Hong Kong are striving to break the silence on issues such as gender-based discrimination, sexual violence, and LGBTQIA+ rights. The workshop provided a platform for artists to share their experiences, including those involved in Taiwan’s #MeToo movement. One participant recounted their experience of witnessing and speaking out against an assault by a prominent indigenous artist, emphasizing the legal and social repercussions faced by those who dare to speak out. ARC considers this workshop in Taipei a crucial step in fostering regional solidarity and collaboration among artists and cultural practitioners. By understanding the immediate needs of artists engaged with issues related to democracy, LGBTQIA+ rights, indigenous rights, and climate justice, ARC has started establishing impactful partnerships with Taiwanese and Hong Kong-based artists and organizations. Looking forward, as ARC continues to build on these connections, the goal is to create a more inclusive and resilient network that champions artistic freedom and human rights across the Asia-Pacific region. By Manojna Yeluri, June 25, 2024. Manojna Yeluri is ARC’s Asia Regional Representative and a lawyer specializing in artist rights, entertainment, and intellectual property rights.