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AF
NGOAFI

Artistic Freedom Initiative

New York, UNITED STATESnon-profitReg: 405691597591-41Since 10/04/2025

Budget

€1,991,726

EP Access

0

accredited persons

Staff

4

0.4 FTE

EU Grants

None

Mission & Goals

Led by immigration and human rights attorneys, Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) provides pro bono immigration representation and resettlement assistance for international artists at risk. Dedicated to safeguarding the right to artistic freedom, AFI was founded on the notion that artists are uniquely situated to positively and powerfully effect change, provided their voices can be heard. As artists are increasingly censored, imprisoned, restricted from moving freely across borders, tortured, or even killed, it is more critical than ever that we safeguard the right to artistic freedom and zealously champion the courageous artists who exercise it. To this end, AFI directly assists artists who have experienced persecution, censorship, or other restrictions on their freedom of expression, and supports artists who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing progressive social change and fundamental human rights. Since 2017, AFI has taken on over 1670 legal cases involving artists at risk.

EU Legislative Interests

Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI), works to protect and advance the right to artistic freedom globally with a particular focus on cultural rights and civic freedoms. We monitor, document and report on the state of artistic freedom and work to ensure artists are able to continue their work free from repression. Particular EU policies and laws include: - The annual rule of law cycle - The annual report on the Charter of Fundamental Rights - The forth coming Culture Compass - The forthcoming Democracy Shield and Civil Society Strategy - The Anti-SLAPP directive - European Media Freedom Act

Communication Activities

- Awareness raising - Advocacy and dialogue to increasing the protection of artistic freedom at both the national level as well as the European level - Public education - Website & social media channels - Newsletters - Monitoring and reporting - Public interest litigation - Coordinated legal actions - Conferences - Conducting research

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

AFI is not a member of any federations or networks.

Organisation Members

https://artisticfreedominitiative.org/about-us/partners/

Commissioner Meetings

No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.