At the Arendal Week in 2022, the Norwegian Freedom of Expression Commission launched its report. It emphasized that Norwegian arts and culture systems should engage internationally in the work for freedom of expression and cultural rights. At the same time we have experienced that our local environment is becoming more international, due to immigration and internationalization of the business sector

From these experiences cultural managers in Arendal have established an initiative for artistic rights, freedom of expression, democracy and internationalization. The initiative includes The cultural unit in Arendal municipality, The library, Bomuldfabriken Art Hall, Kuben Museum and Archive, Canal Street Music Festival, The Culture Hall, Voksenopplæringen (Language Center), Munken Art Center and Mimeta Center for Culture and Development.

We have given the initiative the name Art27Arendal, with reference to the article of artistic rights within the Human Rights Declarations. It states that everyone has the right to freely participate in the arts and society's cultural life. The fact that we discuss our work in the light of artistic rights, freedom of expression, democracy and internationalization creates a joint awareness-raising. We discover new perspectives, share experiences and problems, and learn from each other. The processes provide reflections on the value of our work, and also new ideas on how we can work together for better impact.

At the same time, we are expanding our frames of reference. Beyond established professional environments and the Norwegian sector systems, we open up new topics, practitioners with origins in other geographies and we engage in the international discourses. In the programmatic work, we have experienced that one initiative can give room for several angles, which in turn can lead to new initiatives within a theme. In this way, we can build on each other, with the help of side events, or collaborate by jointly developing programs that include several institutions. The collaboration also opportunities for program coordination and the advantage of joint audience development.

The Arendal Week is a prominent celebration of democracy in Norway. The local cultural sector builds on this local position by taking initiatives that emphasize the value of freedom of expression and artistic rights in a democratic social development. Such a step quickly takes us into an international perspective, also on our local environment. The composition and perspectives of the population change as places and businesses internationalize. Internationalization should be reflected in our cultural programs. This is an extensive process. We must rethink funding, artistic quality, communication and networks. At the same time, internationalization is a strategy for extended cooperation with business, civil society and the public sector.

So far:

• “Art27Arendal”, can be used by anyone and everyone in contexts that highlight internationalization, artistic rights, freedom of expression or the contribution to democratization.

• A website is established on the the domain www.art27.net

• The initiative works for Arendal being part of International Cities of Refugee Network. Settling a persecuted artist is an act of solidarity, while at the same time it can contribute to the enrichment of local cultural life. We will become part of the international ICORN network, and new performers will strengthen the art environment locally. Getting Arendal as an ICORN city requires work with employees in the institutions affected, with decision-makers in the municipality and the residents. The process will be organized by Art27Arendal, thereby representing one of the first advocacy processes carried out in the collaboration.

• In the initiative there is an articulated need to put in place a pilot program as early as 2023, where several of the institutions contribute with events that mark internationalization, artistic rights, freedom of expression or the contribution to democratization.

• The initiative will prepare inquiries to funding partners who share the needs to highlight internationalization, artistic rights, freedom of expression or the contribution to democratization.

• Funds received will be managed Mimeta in a separate mechanism - which in turn can contribute to productions within the initiative's purpose. This fund can also implement its own solutions for income acquisition.

Working principles

1. Background and Context

1.1. Arendal's Cultural Landscape
Arendal, like many other communities in Norway, is experiencing rapid internationalization. The town's cultural sector, traditionally oriented towards Norwegian language and heritage, now faces the challenge of meeting the needs of a more diverse population. With increased immigration and the globalization of the business sector, Arendal's local environment has become significantly more international. Despite these changes, the existing cultural infrastructure often struggles to keep pace with the evolving demands of this more diverse community.

1.2. National Emphasis on Freedom of Expression and Cultural Rights
At the 2022 Arendal Week (Arendalsuka), the Norwegian Freedom of Expression Commission launched a report stressing the importance of international engagement in promoting freedom of expression and cultural rights. This report underscored the need for Norwegian arts and cultural systems to actively participate in global efforts to uphold these values. In alignment with this national directive, Mimeta formed an initiative called Art27Arendal, which aims to address the local implications of these broader international goals.

1.3. The Role of Art27Arendal
Art27Arendal is committed to promoting artistic rights, freedom of expression, democracy, and internationalization within the municipality's cultural sector. Recognizing the challenges posed by rapid internationalization, the initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and globally connected cultural environment in Arendal. Art27Arendal aims to ensure that the cultural sector remains a driving force for democratization and social cohesion in the local community, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its residents.

2. Project Objectives

2.1. Support Local Internationalization
The primary objective of Art27Arendal is to support the internationalization of Arendal's cultural sector. This involves adapting cultural programs to reflect the municipality's increasingly diverse population and fostering greater international collaboration among artists and cultural institutions.

2.2. Promote Artistic Rights and Freedom of Expression
Art27Arendal will work to safeguard artistic rights and freedom of expression, ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, can participate in cultural production. This commitment aligns with the recommendations of the Norwegian Freedom of Expression Commission and reinforces Arendal's role as a community that highligts these fundamental rights.

 2.3. Enhance Cultural Participation
The initiative aims to increase cultural participation among Arendal's international population, ensuring that the town's cultural offerings are accessible and relevant to all residents. This will involve outreach efforts to engage new community members and encourage their involvement in local cultural activities.

3. Expected Outcomes

1. Increased Cultural Diversity:
A more diverse range of cultural programs and events that reflect the international makeup of Arendal's population.

2. Strengthened International Networks:
Enhanced collaboration between Arendal's cultural institutions and international partners.

3. Enhance Cultural Participation:
Higher levels of engagement in cultural activities among Arendal's international residents.

4.  Protection of Artistic Rights:
A local cultural sector that actively upholds and promotes artistic rights and freedom of expression.