​Arterial Network’s e-book on freedom of creative expression in Africa out

Arterial Network has released a free e-book compilation of poems, articles and works of fiction on the subject of freedom of creative expression in Africa. Featuring contributions from 25 authors from 14 African countries, the e-book has been produced as part of Arterial Network’s Artwatch Africa project that aims to defend freedom of creative expression on the continent – and who better than the artists themselves to share their creative environment, their questions and their experiences.

In September 2014, Arterial Network launched a call for contributions from writers, journalists and researchers from across the continent to share their opinions and knowledge on this broad topic. After two years of committed work, a collection of selected writings has been brought together to produce an original compilation titled, How Free is Free? Reflections on Freedom of Creative Expression in Africa.

“The main objective was to give writers the opportunity to talk about what ‘freedom of creative expression’ means to them and in their own style,” explains Diana Ramarohetra, Project Manager for Artwatch Africa. “It is amazing to see that most of the time when we say ‘Freedom of Expression,’ people first think of journalism and forget that it also pertains to the arts and artists. It is our job to inform people about artists’ rights and help to build the infrastructure across Africa to defend them.”

How Free is Free? Reflections on Freedom of Creative Expression in Africa is above all a meditation on the artistic health of the continent, as lived and examined from 25 diverse, artistic viewpoints. This publication is a first for Arterial Network and it will be used as a tool to advocate for freedom of expression and creative arts in Africa.

The publication is available to download for free from the Arterial Network website, as well as various e-reader platforms, such as World Reader. It has been optimised for mobile, tablet and Kindle viewing.

The e-book was first launched at the Alliance Française, Cape Town (South Africa) on September 14, 2016. The book was also launched during the Arterial Network Nigeria closing ceremony and end of year party that took place at Freedom Park in Lagos on Wednesday, December 14, 2016.