Thus, any CSO should first make a priority list. Let’s face it, “we can’t do everything all the time.” But, if your priority is artistic freedom, then, on top of having analyzed the legislations of your country and how they relate to international Conventions ratified by your country, you need to document how artistic freedom is restricted and by whom, and what the consequences are. And if your country is repressing artistic freedom then you can lobby international organizations and governments to support your agendas. BELARUS PEN EXAMPLE Responding to the mass violations of human rights in Belarus, which certainly affected cultural workers and cultural organizations, Belarusian PEN has developed a monitoring system recording violations on cultural rights. The system allows for having up-to-date information about violations for internal use by Belarusian PEN and upon the request of interested parties. The main public document is an annual monitoring report on the implementation of cultural rights and human rights violations against cultural workers. PEN Belarus additionally publishes a review every three months. The findings of Belarus PEN's monitoring activities are used by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Special Rapporteur on Belarus and the Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights. The main force of the reports is in the system of International PEN and its country offices. It is an important part of international relations, and is based on shared values and a common organizational culture built on the protection of cultural rights in close connection with human rights. “Strengthening the influence of Belarusian PEN reports in European cultural institutes is a necessary element for a further mutual European future.” Source: PEN Belarus. FOOD FOR THOUGHT If you wish to advocate on any topic you need - at least - to have in order your: • Documentation; • Argumentation; • Communication and advocacy strategy. It is always worth trying to secure a dialogue with those who can change policies and those who can convey your issue further in “the system” or who are in charge of the implementation of rules and regulations. Don’t give them the opportunity to dismiss your campaign on the grounds that “you never contacted them.” Unless your topic is absolutely urgent, then give it some time for the system to respond, but follow up frequently and then move on with public campaigns if you do not secure a proper dialogue or a satisfying response. Culturepartnership.eu offers an online course on advocacy: https://www.culturepartnership.eu/en/ publishing/advocacy-course/what-isadvocacy SOME LINKS TO CAMPAIGNS: https://pen-international.org/defendingfree-expression/campaigns https://freemuse.org/campaigns-list/ 41