UNESCO Launches Global Survey on Status of the Artist

The following is partially excerpted from a release issued by UNESCO.

UNESCO is launching a global survey on policies and measures taken around the world to support the economic and social rights of artists.

The survey comes at a critical time when artists and creators around the world have reiterated calls for stronger rights, fairer remuneration, copyright reform, legislation to give creators a fair deal from global companies, especially those providing a platform for user-generated content (UGC).

As reported in UNESCO’s 2018 Global Report 2018 Re|Shaping Cultural Policies, artist’s employment and social status continues to be precarious, with low access to social security, pensions and other welfare provisions.

The survey was designed to focus on three thematic areas: culture in the digital environment; transnational mobility of artists and flow of artistic works; social and economic rights, artistic freedom and gender equality.

Aligned with core policy issues addressed by the UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of the Artist, the online questionnaire is available for UNESCO Member States and relevant national and international non-governmental organizations.

The survey is open until November 23. The findings of the survey will be presented by the UNESCO Director-General to the 40th session of the General Conference in Autumn 2019.

Cut image: Emanuele Cidonelli, UNESCO.