The human rights of artists: What did the pandemic teach us?

Why and how have cultural rights and artists’ rights been neglected? What human rights issues do artists face in ‘normal’ times and how are those accelerated during crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic? This chapter discusses both the systemic and crisis-related human rights issues facing artists and other culture creators, as individuals and as collectivities, with special reference to Indigenous Peoples. Power relations and inequalities underlie a human rights analysis, and the state has the potential to emerge as an equalizer and protector, if the political will is present. The first part of the chapter is about the legal framework of analysis for states’ obligations to implement artists’ rights. The second part identifies the human rights issues facing artists and groups, especially Indigenous Peoples, in times of crises. The chapter ends with the third part containing some concluding reflections and ideas for ways forward at national and international level.