The book examines in detail the essence, nature and scope of artistic freedom as a human right. It explains the legal problems associated with the lack of a precise definition of the term 'art' and discusses the emergence of a distinct 'right' to artistic freedom under international law. Drawing on a variety of case-studies primarily from the field of visual arts, but also performance, street art and graffiti, it examines potentially applicable 'defences' for those types of artistic expression that are perceived as inappropriate, ugly, offensive, disturbing, or even obscene and transgressive. The book also offers a view on global controversies such as Charlie Hebdo and the Danish Cartoons, attempting to explain the subtleties of offenses related to religious sensibilities and beliefs. It also examines the legitimacy of restrictions on extremist expressions in the case of arts involving criminal arts, such as child pornography.

This timely book builds bridges between the notions of art and aesthetics, human rights, universality, and dignity. It explores a world in which art and justice enter a discussion to answer questions such as: can art translate the human experience? How does humanity link individuality and community building? How do human beings define and look for their identity? The fields of human rights and art are brought together in order to open the discussion and contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights.

This book queries, through the prism of the Convention for the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (the Convention), the ways in which the processes and substance of international law-making have shifted in response to new technologies and new actors. The essays, written by recognised experts in the field, engage deeply with the practice under the Convention. The 4 parts examine: the rise of new actors and their impact on the Convention's law-making and implementation; the specific implementation of Article 21; the role of cultural communities in promoting diversity of cultural expressions; and the effectiveness and coherence of the Convention. Scholars and practitioners in the field of international law of culture and international cultural cooperation will welcome this fascinating new book.

"Lawyers interested in human rights, art law, cultural rights, cultural heritage law; artists and art students who want to know more about the legal framework applicable to arts ; free speech activists and human rights defenders; political scientists interested in global controversies such as Charlie Hebdo and the Danish Cartoons"--