UNESCO undertook an investigation to track down such policy solutions or innovations through a global survey it launched in 2018.4 This global survey was designed to capture what UNESCO Member States are doing to address challenges artists and cultural professionals are facing in three areas: the digital environment; transnational mobility and human rights and fundamental freedoms including social and economic rights, gender equality and freedom of artistic expression.UNESCO undertook an investigation to track down such policy solutions or innovations through a global survey it launched in 2018.4 This global survey was designed to capture what UNESCO Member States are doing to address challenges artists and cultural professionals are facing in three areas: the digital environment; transnational mobility and human rights and fundamental freedoms including social and economic rights, gender equality and freedom of artistic expression.

Policy direction to help address these challenges are proposed in the Recommendation concerning the Status of the Artist universally adopted by UNESCO Member States in 1980 (1980 Recommendation) and in the UNESCO 2005 Convention. Both instruments call upon governments to introduce policies and measures that would: improve the employment, working and living conditions of artists, especially to counter the prejudicial effects of new technologies; recognize the international dimension of their work and provide all artists and creators with the means possible for free international movement; and enable them to exercise their profession free from censorship and gender based discrimination.

As we approach the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the 1980 Recommendation and the 15th anniversary of the 2005 Convention, the global survey offers a renewed opportunity to assess its impact, evaluate trends and challenges over time, and hopefully inspire future cultural policies5. More to this, the results may also offer evidence to demonstrate how the implementation of this Recommendation can contribute to attaining several of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, in particular those relating to “Gender equality” (SDG 5), “Decent work and economic growth” (SDG 86) and “Reduced inequalities” (SDG 10). 4. A global survey was sent to UNESCO Member States in June 2018, ending on 31 January 2019. Fifty-two Member States, 39 non-governmental organizations and two international non-governmental organizations responded. When relevant, additional desk research was conducted to complement information and data collected.5. The Global Survey on the implementation of the 1980 Recommendation is launched every four years. It addresses Member States, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Previous consultations took place in 2011 and 2015. See text of the 1980 Recommendation in Annex 1 and Survey Questionnaire in Annex 2. 6. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.5, more specifically, seeks to “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value”.