Open call : 3 studies on arts rights justice

The UNESCO Chair ‘Cultural Policy for the Arts in Development’ at the University of Hildesheim (Germany) and its ARTS RIGHTS JUSTICE PROGRAM invite experienced researchers from all world regions to apply to undertake one of three studies which will contribute to the university’s ARTS RIGHTS JUSTICE OBSERVATORY.

The UNESCO Chair ‘Cultural Policy for the Arts in Development’ at the University of Hildesheim (Germany) and its ARTS RIGHTS JUSTICE PROGRAM invite experienced researchers from all world regions to apply to undertake one of three studies which will contribute to the university’s ARTS RIGHTS JUSTICE OBSERVATORY.

The ARJ PROGRAM will be using the studies to extent knowledge of practical and academic use that will complement existing reports by international human rights, free speech or arts organizations such as FREEMUSE, UNESCO and PEN.

1) ARTS

Analysis of examples of violation of freedom of artistic expression and support strategies along specific case studies from different world regions

The first study will focus on cases of violation of freedom of artistic expression from different world regions and more specifically on: a) identifying the range of political, social and other elements involved in such violations; b) the role of governmental cultural policy and civil society organizations in the incidents; c) how and by whom the artists involved have been supported. The aim of this study is to work towards analyses and categorization of cases and their management strategies relating to violation of freedom of artistic expression in general, and to artists at risk in particular.

The study may – among others – include these focus points:

• A literary review of existing reports
• Minimum of 5 cases from diverse origins around the world that will be used for deeper interrogation, looking into complex make up of the agents and agencies involved in each case, including media exposure and outcomes
• Analysis of any trends or particular patterns that may arise
• Recommendations for a methodology of categorization of different cases
• Recommendations for best practice and how to share it that can inform the activities of ARJ in tackling violations
• Recommendations based on research and earlier or existing models, for the collection and analysis of cases and materials regarding the violation of freedom of artistic expression

2) RIGHTS

Analysis of legal mechanisms that protect freedom of artistic expression and their implementation

This study will analyze some of the different formats and legal structures aiming to protect freedom of artistic expression and artists at risk, on international and national levels, differentiating when pertinent, between international and civil law for example, or when law differentiates between protection of the work or the person. It will include an assessment of how local, national or regional mechanisms are used or implemented effectively. More specifically this report may also focus on the idea of international complaint mechanisms in the field of freedom of artistic expression and artists at risk, their strategies and implementation.

The study may – among others – include these focus points:

• A literature review of existing reports
• Based on an analysis of the most commonly cited reasons for legal processes against artists or their works, identification of the most relevant legal bases, precedents or information needed to protect and defend the artists
• Assessment of the effective implementation of some chosen local, national or regional mechanisms
• Setting the bases for an ‘Atlas of freedom of artistic expression’ which focuses on and categorizes the implementation of freedom of artistic expression in national constitutions and in international legal instruments which would imply necessary analysis of their structures and practical effectiveness
• Conceptional elements with regard to a template that might inform reflection processes leading to national cultural policy development for freedom of artistic expression 

3) JUSTICE

Analysis of local/national/international protection mechanisms including but not limited to temporary relocation and emergency support

This study will explore the different formats, experiences, findings and challenges of mechanisms and practices available to and/or used by artists at risk and those who protect and defend them, including but not limited to temporary relocation and emergency support. The study should demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of existing models of support. It will analyse a group of cases in depth, based on the experience of artists and other target groups (for comparison) to establish their efficacy for the individuals involved and to emerge with some recommendations on what works best in what context based on this evidence.

The study may – among others – include these focus points:

• A literature review
• Analysis of the most common general protection mechanisms, how they function and which strategies they employ, considering national and civil society levels in different regions as well as issue-based concerns such as gender identification or religious sensitivities
• Observations on what extent these mechanisms are known and used by artists, and to what extent do the mechanisms actively reach out to or include artists
• Recommendations on what works best in what contexts based on this evidence, and what are the main context-sensitive elements that would need to be adapted to the national (or other) situation
• Recommendations that would need to be integrated in the development of national cultural policies for freedom of artistic expression

Each study:

• Shall be researched and written within a period of three months, from mid August until end of October 2018
• Will be remunerated with a total of 3.000,- € (including all expenses and all taxes that remain the responsibility of the researcher)
• Shall contain around 50 pages of condensed text at least
• Will be handed in online to the ARJ program – University of Hildesheim by November 1, 2018 in .docx and .pdf format
• Will be discussed in circles of experts before finalization
• Will be published

PLEASE NOTE: The above mentioned three areas (Arts, Rights, Justice) represent a broader interest of the ARTS RIGHTS JUSTICE OBSERVATORY. Interested researchers are kindly invited to choose a focus within these three areas and on specific regions, regional and local issues as well as on a specific research question. Your chosen focus shall be presented within your application. Applications which will not be selected in this first edition may be selected in further editions of this call. 

How to apply?

Interested researchers are kindly asked to send their application to [email protected] including:

• Single researcher or teams of researchers are welcome to submit
• CV
• A short overview of research experiences (academicand non-academic accepted)
• Short letter of motivation (max. 1 page) stating which paper you are applying for.
• Estimated timeline
• Draft of table of contents and/or sketch

Deadline for submission is August 10, 2018 

We are looking forward to your applications!