1. The freedom and responsibility
These guidelines have been commissioned and drawn up on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Culture between 1 August 2021 and 31 December 2022.
The ethical guidelines are recommended to be followed as applicable and as suitable for each specific art field, actor and situation, along with the relevant legislation.
The most important laws are compiled in the Links section.
Instructions open by pressing the blue arrows.
Artistic freedom includes the artist’s right to choose their subject, method and means of expression. The content and diversity of art should not be externally regulated.
As a funder or commissioner, am I unnecessarily interfering with the content of the art?
As a decision-maker, am I ready to promote art that does not correspond with my own convictions or preferences?
Making art must respect basic rights. Artists and cultural workers must take into account both their own rights and the rights of others, including the right to enjoy art.
Do I understand that making art should not require an individual to give up their basic rights with regards to, for example, protection of privacy or freedom of conscience?
Art also has a responsibility to society, people and nature. When making art, one must consider its ecological, social, economic and cultural impact.
Non-profit activities differ from market-oriented ones. Have I ensured that everybody, in their different positions, can make a living?
Are the solutions I have chosen as ecological as possible according to the available resources?
Diversity is essential for a functioning artistic and cultural life.
Mutual appreciation of different forms of art must be supported.
Do I place my art field or art form above others?
Have I sufficiently researched the conditions and needs of other art forms?