Sound Barriers: Defending Artistic Freedom

Unseen Restrictions and Collective Action in the Music Industry

Sound Barriers: Defending Artistic Freedom

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  • event type:WOMEX 25 Conference Session
  • date:23 Oct 2025
  • time:11:30 - 12:30
  • city/area:Tampere
  • venue:Conference Room 4
  • country:Finland
  • event posted by:Piranha Arts

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

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 taking on new and insidious forms.

The views and opinions expressed during this session are solely those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of WOMEX.