*Freemuse* is the world’s largest database on music censorship. Its goal is to document violations of freedom of musical expression, lobby internationally for musicians rights to freedom of expression, support musicians at risk and establish a knowledge center for media, the public, artists and cultural organizations. *Freemuse* contains news stories, interviews with persecuted and censored musicians from all over the world, more than twelve reports on music censorship, and research articles and actions supporting music creators at risk.
*Freemuse* was born out of the 1st World Conference on Music and Censorship, held in Copenhagen in November 1998. The conference brought together professionals from diverse fields and countries—musicians, journalists, researchers, record industry professionals and human-rights activists—to examine, discuss and document a wide variety of abuses from the apparently benign to the overtly extreme. The alarmingly widespread nature of censorship of music prompted the conference delegates to initiate the creation of a new organization, *Freemuse*. Its guidelines are the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights as they apply specifically to musicians and composers. The *Freemuse* Secretariat was established in August 2000.
Since 2011 *Freemuse* has broadened its scope to include projects advocating freedom of all artistic expression and initiated the Artsfex global network for the protection of artistic freedom. In 2013-2014 *Freemuse* will be involved in several projects analyzing and defending artistic freedom of expression.

*Freemuse* is guided by its charter: [http://freemuse.org/archives/198](http://freemuse.org/archives/198 "")



Links: www.freemuse.org

*Freemuse* is an international organization advocating freedom of expression for musicians and artists worldwide. *Freemuse* was initiated by Marie Korpe, its director from 1999 to 2013. Currently the team consists of Ole Reitov, Mik Aidt and Rikke Nagell. Over the years, numerous journalists, scholars, artists, media workers and activists have been involved.

*Freemuse* is an independent international membership organization advocating and defending freedom of expression for musicians and composers worldwide. In the words of *Freemuse*: in many countries, violations of musician’s rights to freedom of expression are commonplace.

We believe that music is a powerful tool to bridge language and cultural barriers and convey strong messages that can help drive change. The fact that musicians are being targeted throughout the world, arrested, harassed and repressed, makes it even more relevant to promote a community that empowers them and advocates free speech in the current scenario of increasing surveillance and censorship. This project addresses local challenges and threats and puts them in a global perspective.