Open call for researchers for 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 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.

See website for further guidance and information

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.

See website for further guidance and information

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.

See website for further guidance and information

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.

To apply as a researcher to undertake one of the studies, please see website for details of how to submit your proposal and research experience.

Deadline for submission is August 10, 2018