Avant-Garde Lawyers is a global network of lawyers committed to defending artists and their right to free expression. https://avantgardelawyers.org/ IG: @avant.garde.lawyers Linktree: https://linktr.ee/avantgardelawyers?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3m227l76ufc2zAGL is launching a pilot project to support artists who face immigration or administrative issues in France, or who wish to relocate there. We'll offer: -Pro bono case assessment and expert guidance -Comprehensive support with visas and other administrative matters, at reduced fees Get in touch!30 Sep 2025 09:29 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3m227l76ufc2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lyi5rh67qc2aJoin us for our MONDIACULT 2025 side event Sept 24, 3pm CET, ONLINE! Afghan Olympic breakdancer Manizha Talash, was disqualified for wearing a “Free Afghan Women” slogan during competition. Her case raises pressing questions about how far sport organisations may go in restricting expression. https://avantgardelawyers.org/news/agl-mondiacult/10 Sep 2025 11:43 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lyi5rh67qc2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lxc3fcgurs2wWhat does TIME have to do with art and activism? “The time you have to move politics in art is the time it takes the governments or your enemy to understand what you have done, because they cannot respond if they don't know what is going on" - Tania Bruguera The Art* of Defending Artists 3.026 Aug 2025 08:19 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lxc3fcgurs2whttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lw4yonlwr22w👩🏽‍💻Who is the author of an AI generated artwork? Can you copyright artwork you’ve created using help from AI? The answer may surprise you. Atreya Mathur from the Center for Art Law led our cohort in a fascinating discussion about the limits of AI for artists11 Aug 2025 14:23 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lw4yonlwr22whttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lup2li6nzq2jEmma Shapiro @exshaps.bsky.social tests artwork from the Don't Delete Art @dontdeleteart.bsky.social Gallery of Art Censored Online against an AI content moderation tool, and finds the AI consistently flags the female-presenting body for "sexual intent", versus male-presenting bodies!24 Jul 2025 07:54 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lup2li6nzq2jhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3luhqdom7v42hHow do we move forward and protect artists' rights now that it seems like AI is here to stay? Atreya Mathur from the Center for Art Law spoke about the limitations, opportunities, and questions facing artists in this new age of AI and creativity.21 Jul 2025 10:02 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3luhqdom7v42hhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3ltygfc266m2vActivism isn't just posters, protests, and manifestos -- when we bring art in as a tool, we can deepen the conversation and even gain advantages over our opposition. We were honored to have Tania Bruguera give direct advice to our cohort during The Art* of Defending Artists 3.015 Jul 2025 07:54 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3ltygfc266m2vhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lsdsi24uds2t24 Jun 2025 09:39 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lsdsi24uds2thttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lsdshmisak2tUPDATE: AGL successful in relocating members of the Afghan Nay-Negar Visual Art Center to France after fleeing Afghanistan and Pakistan! This female-led initiative has remained steadfast in their desire to use art to speak out for women’s rights in Afghanistan and against Taliban policies.24 Jun 2025 09:39 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lsdshmisak2thttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lrxawxmsls23We extend unwavering support to award-winning Sri Lankan writer Shakthika Sathkumara, who's petition for his right to freedom of expression comes before the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka on June 27th. We urge the Court to diligently examine the petition in accordance with Article 19 of the ICCPR.19 Jun 2025 09:54 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lrxawxmsls23https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lrseo2mhks23We did it! Our unique capacity building programme The Art* of Defending Artists 3.0 comes to a close after an exciting 6 weeks, 12 sessions and 31 brilliant participants from across art, culture, civil society and law.17 Jun 2025 11:17 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lrseo2mhks23https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lrfstra7sk2aWe are witnessing how financial power is used not just to support culture, but shape it - to silence dissent, erase histories, and reward ideological alignment. Funding is no longer neutral; it is political. Our latest Art* Blog piece by @exshaps.bsky.social https://avantgardelawyers.org/blog/shut-up-artists-moneys-talking/12 Jun 2025 11:26 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lrfstra7sk2ahttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lr6dk6b2wc26Pakistan is Afghans to leave, pushing them back into Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where creative expression is banned and brutally punished. For women artists, the risk is especially high. Under Taliban rule, painting, singing, even letting your voice be heard in public can be treated as a crime. https://avantgardelawyers.org/news/artists-sent-back-to-taliban-controlled-afghanistan/09 Jun 2025 12:04 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lr6dk6b2wc26https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lqcli522hk24CASEWORK UPDATE: Afghan actor and filmmaker Navid Saadati has been relocated safely to Canada! Find out more about Navid's journey, artwork, and AGL's casework here: https://avantgardelawyers.org/portfolio/navid-saadati/29 May 2025 11:11 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lqcli522hk24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lq3lpxzlss24We rely on the generosity of a wide range of pro bono partners. We are deeply grateful for their brilliant contribution and commitment to AGL’s mission to safeguard the rights of artists. Thank you Deniz Okumuşoğlu for your key support in our work to relocate Iranian musician Mehrzatt Safari.26 May 2025 16:27 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lq3lpxzlss24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lpqwqsxwjk2iThe destruction and damage to Sudanese cultural sites, museums and galleries has recently become devastatingly clear as the Sudanese military retook control of the capital from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).22 May 2025 10:45 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lpqwqsxwjk2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lply4xsink2mMehrzatt Safari, a fearless Iranian musician, composer and activist blending traditional sounds with bold political messages. AGL is proud to assist Mehrzatt in securing a safe haven where he can continue his creative work free from persecution. Read more: avantgardelawyers.org/portfolio/mehrzatt/20 May 2025 11:26 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lply4xsink2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lplxul5k4c2mMessages like this remind us why this work matters, and what an honor it is to be part of it 💙 We are grateful to our team for their dedication and for the powerful support from our Global Network of lawyers. Thank you Mehrzatt for the lovely message 💙20 May 2025 11:22 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lplxul5k4c2mhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lp4kmj2s2s2nAGL's Comms Officer @exshaps.bsky.social took the stage at UNESCO's panel "Artistic Freedom and Creativity: Navigating AI In A Volatile World" to explore how digital technologies are impacting artistic freedom, reshaping the creative professions, and presenting new risks and opportunities. [contains quote post or other embedded content]14 May 2025 08:14 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lp4kmj2s2s2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lp23a7r2yk2fA Texas school district erased a lesson on Virginia after noticing an exposed breast in the depiction of the goddess Virtue on the Virginia state flag. The Virginia flag features Virtue triumphing over Tyranny, with the motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” or “Thus Always to Tyrants,” inscribed below.13 May 2025 08:34 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lp23a7r2yk2fhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3loxuuaerps22It is a true privilege to welcome Alexandra Xanthaki, United Nations Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights, to our Art* of Defending Artists 3.0 capacity building programme for “The mandate of the UNSR in the field of cultural rights: minorities and indigenous peoples”12 May 2025 11:34 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3loxuuaerps22https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lnkpugxlis2iDeadline extended to Friday April 25! Register here: https://avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-defending-artists-3-0/24 Apr 2025 12:35 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lnkpugxlis2ihttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lnd5fy4lqs24How does AI impact creative practices? This is the topic that Dr. Natasha Mangal, US attorney and Legal and Policy Advisor at CISAC, will explore as part of our new Art* module during The Art* of Defending Artists 3.0. Register by 4/23: https://avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-defending-artists-3-0/21 Apr 2025 12:16 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lnd5fy4lqs24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lna7ukdnes24Renowned Indian comedian Kunal Kamra faces defamation charges from the Deputy Chief Minister for a parody song performed at The Habitat studio venue,which was vandalized after the performance. @kunalkamra.bsky.social20 Apr 2025 08:22 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lna7ukdnes24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3ln62yqndm224Using the system empowers the system.19 Apr 2025 11:50 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3ln62yqndm224https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3ln3dogvack24We welcome Emma Shapiro (Editor-At-Large for @dontdeleteart.bsky.social & AGL Comms Officer) to discuss online art censorship and the internet regulations that affect free expression, as part of our new Art* module. Register before 4/23! https://avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-defending-artists-3-0/ @exshaps.bsky.social18 Apr 2025 09:47 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3ln3dogvack24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lmypys263c24We are proud to welcome Daria to lead the session on “Case-Law on Article 10, Freedom of Expression, European Convention on Human Rights” during Module 1: European Court of Human Rights. Registration ends April 23rd - Explore the full programme here & register avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-17 Apr 2025 08:50 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmypys263c24https://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lmu5qofan22lRenowned Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera joins the Art* of Defending Artists 3.0. Registration ends April 23rd - Explore the full programme and register here https://avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-defending-artists-3-0/ #artisticfreedom #culturalrights #agl #capacitybuilding15 Apr 2025 13:12 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmu5qofan22lhttps://bsky.app/profile/avantgardelawyers.bsky.social/post/3lmrh4dgv7k2lAtreya Mathur, Director of Legal Research at the Center for Art Law, joins The Art* of Defending Artists to examine the legal and ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated artworks – register by April 23! https://avantgardelawyers.org/the-art-of-defending-artists-3-0/14 Apr 2025 11:22 +0000at://did:plc:4d63xgcorfnizwq4evvscbco/app.bsky.feed.post/3lmrh4dgv7k2l