MONDIACULT2025 is the world’s biggest cultural policy conference. Artistic Freedom Initiative is partnering with the Penn Cultural Heritage Center at the University of Pennsylvania Museum (PennCHC), Resistance Now Together and INTERCOM (ICOM’s International Committee for Museum Management) to host a virtual side event, Countering Democratic Backsliding in Cultural Policy: Safeguarding Artistic Freedom and the Independence of Cultural Institutions on September 24 at 17:00-18:00 CEST (11:00–12:00 ET).

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1917574950473/WN_aJJE3JxoQSGT_iadh4KDHg

Cultural institutions constitute key spaces where the right to artistic freedom and freedom of expression is exercised. Yet, these institutions are increasingly vulnerable to political interference. This conversation will bring together colleagues from different sectors to explore:

• how to situate cultural governance within democracy frameworks

• how illiberal policies are reshaping governance and undermining autonomy,

• and how we can work together to strengthen safeguards that protect cultural institutions from political interference.

We are glad to be joined by:

• Milo Rau, Artistic Director, Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen)

• Goranka Horjan, Chair, INTERCOM (ICOM’s International Committee for Museum Management)

• Sanjay Sethi, Co-Executive Director, Artistic Freedom Initiative

• Kersty McCourt, EU Advisor, Artistic Freedom Initiative

The session is meant to be a collaborative dialogue — not only to exchange experiences and surface practical solutions, but also to connect people who are committed to strengthening cultural governance as part of democratic resilience.