Conclusions

In this report, Kulturanalys Norden presents a study on the experiences of threats, violence, and harassment among artists and authors in the Nordic countries. The aim has been to examine not only the prevalence of these incidents but also their consequences for the affected artists and authors. Additionally, the report describes whether differences in experiences can be observed based on gender, age, or within various arts and cultural sectors.

The results are based on survey responses collected through questionnaires distributed by eight organisations in the Nordic countries, representing visual artists, performing artists, and authors. However, due to a high non-response rate, these results are subject to some uncertainty. The results from the survey cannot be generalised to artists and authors across the Nordic countries. The conclusions drawn here provide a general overview of the findings, which are placed in context within the wider body of existing studies on threats, violence, and harassment faced by artists, authors, and other professionals in the public sphere.

Based on the responses from members of eight organisations across Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, the overall conclusion is that threats, violence, and harassment are significant issues for many artists and authors. These challenges, in turn, pose a risk of artists and authors withdrawing from the public sphere, modifying their content, or adopting other strategies that can undermine their artistic freedom. The key conclusions can be divided into two main areas: firstly, the extent of threats, violence, and harassment; and secondly, the consequences of these experiences, as detailed below.

Threats, violence and harassment are a real problem

Threats, violence, and harassment represent a significant issue that has affected many artists and authors. The survey results show that a considerable proportion of respondents have experienced threats, violence, or harassment at some point in relation to their work. The proportion of respondents who reported such experiences ranged from 36 per cent to 61 per cent, depending on the organisation. Fewer respondents reported experiencing these incidents in the last 12 months, with figures ranging from 7 per cent to nearly a quarter.

Threats and harassment were the most common types of events. These included direct threats, online harassment and insults on social media, public shaming, and threatening messages via email or letter. For the members of the two author organisations involved in the survey, threats and harassment were particularly prevalent. This aligns with findings from previous studies, which have highlighted the growing vulnerability of professionals engaged in public discourse, particularly in the digital space (Svensson et al., 2021).

The proportion of respondents who have experienced threats, violence, and harassment varies across the different organisations. Authors were more likely to have encountered various forms of online threats and harassment, while visual artists were more likely to report incidents of vandalism or theft. Performing artists, who have direct interaction with audiences on stage, reported higher incidences of sexual harassment and unauthorised photography. Additionally, the survey did not specify the perpetrators of these incidents, meaning that the events could have originated externally or from within the organisation, such as from colleagues or managers.

There is a lack of comparative studies that would allow for definitive conclusions about trends over time. However, drawing on previous research, the rise in online threats and harassment should be considered, particularly for artists and authors who are highly engaged in public discourse. When asked about developments in their own country, very few artists and authors reported a decrease in threats, violence, and harassment over the past three years. Among those who could assess these changes, the majority indicated that threats, violence, and harassment had increased during this period.

Differences in experiences of threats, violence, and harassment

Experiences of threats, violence, and harassment differ between women and men. While the overall proportion of individuals who have experienced such incidents does not significantly differ between genders, there are notable differences in the types of incidents reported. Women are more likely to experience sexual harassment, while men are more likely to face direct threats. These findings align with previous studies (Nadim & Fladmoe, 2021). Additionally, the results suggest that younger people are more likely to experience threats or harassment compared to older individuals. This trend is consistent with prior research on online threats and harassment, both within specific occupational groups and at the population level (Svensson et al., 2021; Brottsförebyggande rådet, 2019).

Threats, violence and harassment have consequences

The responses from artists and authors who have experienced threats, violence, and harassment indicate links to various consequences. Many respondents have required support or assistance, and a significant number have also received it. Due to the small size of certain response groups, it was not possible to examine attitudes toward these statements in relation to the type of incident experienced. However, previous studies have shown that the severity of an incident strongly influences the need for support or assistance (Myndigheten för kulturanalys, 2016).

A small proportion of individuals report the incidents they have experienced to the police. Reporting rates differ across organisations, but the majority of respondents have not reported their experiences to the authorities. Myndigheten för kulturanalys' report Hotad kultur highlighted that people are more likely to report incidents involving violence, vandalism, or theft compared to threats and harassment (Myndigheten för kulturanalys, 2016). As the survey’s classification of incidents does not strictly follow criminal categories used in Nordic countries, some incidents in this study may fall outside what is typically reported to the police.

Threats, violence and harassment risk limiting artists - yet also strengthen the commitment of many

Experiences of threats, violence, and harassment have caused artists and authors to withdraw from public engagement, decline certain commissions or subject areas, implement security measures, and feel that their artistic freedom is increasingly restricted. These experiences can have serious consequences, not only for individual artists and authors but also, by extension, for the central idea of artistic freedom.

At the same time, many of those affected report that experiencing threats, violence, or harassment has reinforced their commitment to and desire for artistic expression. Between one-fifth and one-third of respondents fully agree that such experiences have strengthened their dedication and willingness to engage in artistic activities. For some, threats, violence, or harassment may impose limitations on artistic freedom, but also inspire a commitment to artistic expression.

Previous studies, particularly those involving journalists, have demonstrated a clear link between threats, violence, and harassment and increased self-censorship. Multiple factors influence this relationship, including the nature and frequency of incidents, feelings of anxiety and fear, social support networks, and perceptions of the ability of legal systems and employers to offer support. Further studies are needed to expand on these findings. This should consider the specific circumstances affecting individual artists, including the types of incidents, labour market position, access to social support networks, and personal characteristics.

Need for further mapping and deeper knowledge

The findings of this report emphasise the importance of identifying and thoroughly investigating the consequences of threats, violence, and harassment. The low response rate among several participating organisations underscores the limitations of surveys, particularly in light of declining response rates and survey fatigue. To gain a deeper understanding of these experiences, qualitative interviews could complement the quantitative approach used in this report.

Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, Kulturanalys Norden concludes that:

It is important to monitor the ongoing prevalence of threats, violence, and harassment among professional artists and authors over time.
Examining the population of artists and authors across the Nordic countries is challenging due to a lack of systematic and comparable data on the number of artists and authors.
Further knowledge is needed about the safety nets—or lack thereof—that support affected artists. Special attention should be paid to how visibility in public spaces and digital threats or harassment impact artists' and authors' ability to freely express themselves.
The insights gained should ultimately inform efforts to prevent artists and authors from experiencing threats, violence, or harassment.