The conference Voices in Public Art: Mapping Freedom of Speech and Expression in the Nordic Region will assess the current state of public art and the conditions for freedom of expression in the Nordic region today.
To what extent are artists today affected by harassment, censorship, and self-censorship? What support, trust, and frameworks do artists need to work freely in public spaces?
Through knowledge sharing, case studies, and conversations the conference will explore how artists and actors in the art field navigate a public sphere marked by increased polarization and growing pressures on freedom of expression. The conference aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences and shared reflection across the Nordic region, and marks the beginning of a series of conferences that will build on the insights and issues raised here.
The event will take place on Friday 17 April from 9 AM to 4 PM. Announced speakers in the program include Kristin Danielsen from Nordic Culture Fund, Drew Snyder from KORO – Public Art Norway and Juha-Heikki Tihinen from Pro Artibus. More speakers will be announced soon. You can read more about the event and see all the speakers on Mesen’s website.
Accessibility and venue
The event will be held in the University Aula, Karl Johans gate 47, Oslo. The venue has step-free access and is accessible for wheelchair users, and there are elevators available. Visitors can request assistance by calling the event phone at 901 31 722. There are five accessible bathrooms located on the basement floor, first, second and third floor. The event will be held in English.
Tickets
Note that tickets are required to attend the event. You can purchase tickets to the event on Hoopla.
About the FORCE Network
Voices in Public Art is organised as part of the initiative FORCE (Freedom, Open-Dialogue, Resilience, Collaboration, and Empowerment) which is a platform aimed at strengthening support for artists, with a focus on those working in public spaces. FORCE also emphasizes the role of art as a platform for democratic dialogue and artistic freedom of expression. To learn more about the FORCE Network go to Mesén’s website.
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The event is supported by the Nordic Culture Fund, the City of Oslo, and the Finnish-Norwegian Cultural Institute.