Artistic Freedom in International Law

Dr. Eleni Polymenopoulou’s book examines the essence, nature and scope of artistic freedom as a human right

Entity: College of Law

Artistic Freedom in International Law offers a view on global controversies and the legitimacy of restrictions on extremist expressions and arts involving criminal acts.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law hosted a book launch for Dr. Eleni Polymenopoulou, Associate Professor, and her new publication, Artistic Freedom in International Law (Cambridge University Press 2023), at the Qatar National Library (QNL).

The event featured a panel discussion to discuss the book, which explores artistic freedom and how it is presently defined as a human right. Moderated by Stephane Ipert, Director, Heritage Library, QNL, the panelists included Dr. Polymenopoulou; Dr. Sophie Richter-Devroe, Associate Professor, HBKU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Radha Dalal, Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Qatar; and Craig La May, Professor in Residence, Northwestern University in Qatar.

Together, they highlighted the legal issues that arise from the lack of a precise definition of the term ‘art,’ and commented on the emergence of a distinct ‘right’ to artistic freedom under international law.

Artistic Freedom in International Law draws from a variety of case-studies to examine potentially applicable 'defences' for various forms of artistic expression that are perceived as inappropriate, offensive, or even obscene. The book also offers a view on global controversies and the legitimacy of restrictions on extremist expressions and arts involving criminal acts.

Situated at a global crossroad of culture, business, and geopolitics, the College of Law hosts internationally recognized faculty that bring substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region, and beyond.