Sound Barriers: Defending Artistic Freedom

Unseen Restrictions & Collective Action in the Music Industry

Katharin Ahrend by Charlot van Heswik
Faravaz by Bartlomiej Korpak
Melissa Kolukisagil by Joanna Schroeder
Sanni Kahilainen by Tero Ahonen
Katharin Ahrend by Charlot van Heswik, Faravaz by Bartlomiej Korpak, Melissa Kolukisagil by Joanna Schroeder, Sanni Kahilainen by Tero Ahonen
  • event type:WOMEX 25 Conference Session
  • date:22 Oct 2025 - 26 Oct 2025
  • time:12:15 - 13:00
  • city/area:Tampere
  • venue:tba
  • country:Finland
  • event posted by:Piranha Arts

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Chaired by
Katharin Ahrend (Germany), Clubcommisssion Berlin e.V. / Awareness Akademie;
with
Faravaz (Iran/Germany), Singer & Activist
Melissa Kolukisagil (Germany), İÇ İÇE Festival für neue anatolische Musik
Sanni Kahilainen (Finland/France), International Music Council (IMC)

As authoritarianism rises, artistic freedom faces increasing, often subtle, restrictions—censorship, funding cuts, visa denials, and political pressure on venues and promoters. This panel brings together experts from music, policy, and activism to expose under-the-radar limitations threatening musicians, curators, and industry professionals. How can the music sector collectively resist these pressures? What strategies, alliances, and advocacy efforts can safeguard creative expression? Join us for an urgent discussion on preserving artistic freedom in an era where suppression is evolving in insidious ways.