Image credits: Culture at Risk, photo by Mykolas Juodele

Europe’s democracy and shared values are under mounting pressure, from erosion within and disruptive forces from abroad. EU leaders increasingly acknowledge these risks, and culture is being positioned with new urgency as a key pillar of democratic resilience. The EU’s latest cultural strategy, Compass for Culture, places artistic freedom, cultural rights and cultural participation at the core of safeguarding democracy.

Urgent Questions Remain

• What threats do artists and cultural organisations actually face today?
• How do we meaningfully define and protect artistic freedom?
• Which cultural rights are being overlooked?
• What must change for culture to function as a genuine public good accessible to all?
• And most importantly, how can policymakers translate ambitious declarations into concrete measures for a sector already strained by both long-standing and emerging pressures?

Register Now

28 January 14:00 - 15:30 CET, online

We invite you to an online event presenting early findings from the Performing Arts Coalition's new study, Between Rhetoric and Reality: Cultural Rights, Artistic Freedom, and Democratic Resilience, which is available to download now and read ahead of the meeting.

The research examines the current landscape of freedoms, pressures and aspirations in the performing arts. The launch event will feature insights from sector representatives, reactions from EU policymakers, and space for open exchange.

Join us to explore what it will take for culture not only to reflect Europe’s democratic values but to actively defend and revitalise them.

Speakers

• Ksenija Djurovic, Serbia, BITEF
• Gintarė Masteikaitė, Lithuania
• Haris Pašović, Bosnia
• Azadeh Ganjeh, Iran

Read the Report

Drawing on Performing Arts Coalition's Europe-wide survey, network workshops and desk research, this new report by Elena Polivtseva explores how performing arts professionals experience artistic freedom, access to cultural participation, and cultural rights today.

While primarily designed to inform EU-level policymaking, the consultation also incorporates global perspectives, reflecting the cross-border nature of today’s cultural, social, and political challenges.

Grounded in lived experience and professional insight, the report offers evidence-based reflections and policy recommendations intended to inspire meaningful action in Europe and beyond.

About the Performing Arts Coalition (PAC)

The Performing Arts Coalition (PAC) is a platform for European and international performing arts networks to collaborate on advocacy for the performing arts, conducting joint actions and research, exchanging knowledge, and pooling resources.

Our mission is to strengthen the role of the performing arts in society by advocating for policies that recognise their unique value.

PAC was founded in 2025 by ASSITEJ - International Association of Theatre and Performing Arts for Children and Young Audiences, Circostrada - European Network for contemporary circus and outdoor arts, EDN - European Dance Development Network, EFA - European Festivals Association, and IETM - International network for contemporary performing arts.

The joint membership of the networks spans over 90 countries worldwide, with over a thousand organisations and professionals.