At a time when music continues to cross borders, institutions, programmers and those working on international projects face increasingly complex challenges in navigating political realities when making artistic choices and inviting guests. After a short reflection on how the music sector can contribute to building fairness and justice, the discussion will focus on the difficult role cultural operators now play in addressing political issues responsibly.
How do we strike the balance between artistic freedom and solidarity? Can we rely solely on personal intuition, or are there universal principles that can guide us when deciding whether cancelling an artist’s performance is a justified act of support — or an action that, unintentionally, harms those who oppose oppressive regimes but openly acknowledge their roots? The session will explore whether international conventions can offer a framework for these decisions, where to seek advice, and how to engage in these sensitive conversations without deepening polarisation within the sector.
