International Free Expression Project

The application deadline for the @safemuse Safe Residencies program is July 1, 2023! This program provides a safe place for artists who have experienced censorship, threats, or persecution due to their artistic activity. For more information visit safemuse.org/safe-residenci…

This year, IFEP is celebrating #PrideMonth with a celebration of queer culture and history here in Pittsburgh! Each week, we're exploring a facet of Pittsburgh’s rich LGBTQ+ community on social media. To learn more, read the latest post on our blog at ifep.io!

Today's #OrganizationSpotlight is the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR), a Lebanon-based #NGO supporting and protecting #humanrights in the Gulf Region and neighboring countries. To learn more about GCHR and read its 2022 human rights report, visit gc4hr.org.

Did you know that 311 writers from around the world are imprisoned as of 2022? These are just a few of the alarming statistics reported in PEN America's 2022 Freedom to Write Index. To read the full report, visit pen.org. #penamerica #freedomtowriteindex

Speaking your truth is one of the most powerful things you can do as an advocate for free expression. When all of us tell our stories, we become that much more difficult to silence. How will you advocate for your truth today? #freeexpression #freedom #truth #advocacy

Today's #OrganizationSpotlight is Forbidden Stories, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “protect, pursue and publish the work of other journalists facing threats, prison, or murder.” To learn more, check out forbiddenstories.org. #journalism #activism #freepress

Horrifying. Anyone who cares about the right of journalists to reveal what powerful people are doing to the rest of us — in fact, anyone with a heart — should do all they can to pressure the governments of Kenya and Pakistan to bring the killers of Arshad Sharif to justice.

School book bans are “not just cropping up organically,” @SuzanneNossel tells @miral98. “Lists of books are being passed around, without even reading the books. It is orchestrated, systemic censorship.” northjersey.com/story/opinion/… #BannedBooks #FirstAmendment #LetAmericaRead

At IFEP, we're working to ensure that all people can share information freely and stay informed about what's happening in the world — because knowledge is power! #freeexpression #knowledge #information #news #activism

According to a PEN America report, 1,648 book titles were banned in the US between July 2021 and June 2022. Pennsylvania, our home state, has the third most banned books nationwide. Visit pen.org for more info. #freeexpression #funfact #bookbans #freespeech

We all take a risk whenever we stand up for what we believe in. What risks will you take today? #freeexpression #takerisks #advocacy #activism

Today's #OrganizationSpotlight is Don't Delete Art (DDA), founded in 2020 to combat #artcensorship on social media. DDA is fighting to ensure that artists can express themselves freely across platforms. Check out its gallery of censored #artwork at dontdelete.art!

UPCOMING EVENT: "Truth on the Ground: Uncovering Risks to Justice." On April 11, our founder Greg Victor will be moderating a discussion and film screening with journalist Sharif Abdel Kouddous! Attendance can be in person or over Zoom. Visit ucis.pitt.edu/global/events/… to register!

IFEP is thrilled to welcome the newest member of our team, Morgan Overton! We're honored to have her joining us as our art director. You can check out her incredible work at mointhestudio.com! #meettheteam #artdirector #artist

Did you know that 80% of the global population lives with less freedom of expression now than a decade ago? Visit ifep.io to learn about how we're fighting for free expression. #freeexpression #advocacy #activism #funfact

Many artists depend on social media as a means of increasing exposure and building a platform for their work. Arbitrary guidelines created by social media platforms, however, often enable the unfair censorship of art and severely limit artistic expression. instagram.com/p/CqGdHeoJ25n/

Hong Kong has banned a Malaysian rapper who recorded a satirical song about Beijing's "fragility," and two people have been arrested for possessing "seditious" children's stories about sheep amid a crackdown on dissent under a harsh national security law. rfa.org/english/news/c…

Open records laws should promote the public’s right to know — not give the government a toolkit to avoid accountability. #SunshineWeek freedom.press/news/its-time-…

Ahead of #IWD2023 tomorrow, we would like reiterate that women writers have a right to free expression, and to equal opportunities, whether through journalism, literature, or other creative endeavours.

Today is a great day to use your voice and speak up for what you believe in. What statement will you make today? #freeexpression #makeastatement #useyourvoice