In January 2025, On The Move, in collaboration with Africalia, Pearle*, and MobiCulture, published the new lexicon ‘International Mobility of Artists and Culture Professionals: The Lexicon’. Intended primarily for public administrations, this publication aims to facilitate understanding of the cultural sector and its realities. For those involved in visa assessment processes, the lexicon sheds light on the opportunities and challenges that artists face in terms of mobility.
Cultural mobility, a hot topic
In order to fully develop their creative talent, to exchange with other culture professionals, and to showcase their artistic projects beyond national borders, it is essential for artists to have access to international mobility. African artists in particular are faced with obstacles to travelling for their cultural activity, such as problems applying with visa applications, costs, or issuance, lack of travel itineraries, or funding difficulties. As such, supporting our partners in exercising their freedom of movement and promoting international mobility in general is one of Africalia’s key areas of action.
The initiative to publish this new lexicon is in line with international efforts to promote cultural mobility and diversity. Articles 14 and 16 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions stipulate, for example, that developed countries shall facilitate mobility for and cultural exchanges with artists from developing countries. More generally, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 requires hat migration and mobility be facilitated in an orderly, safe, regular, and responsible manner.
An indispensable guide for public administrations
Recognising the urgent need for information about cultural mobility among civil servants, the lexicon offers an overview of the terminology and professional realities of the artistic and cultural sphere, in view of the required access to mobility. Consular and ministry staff – the target audience – will be able to draw upon the lexicon for a better understanding of the challenges and needs of culture professionals. On The Move, Africalia, Pearle* and MobiCulture thereby wish to facilitate decision-making processes on visa applications for artists travelling internationally.
‘International Mobility of Artists and Culture Professionals: The Lexicon’ can be downloaded for free from here.
