ANNEX II FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION CREATIVE ART GRANTS FoE is essential to the arts, and the artist’s contribution is essential to society. Art has always, and will continue to influence society, instilling values, translating experiences, and evoking reflection. It is there to remind us of the values we uphold but also look at the things we must pay attention to. It is a vital part of challenging society and individuals and generating a collective memory and a fundamental sense of self. The authors of this paper recognize the importance of artistic practice, and the need to defend and assist artists and their freedom of expression, and creation. As part of this research, an open call was held, inviting artists to submit proposals for the production of work exploring the topic of freedom of expression. Three artists were selected and supported with grants of USD 500 each. ANONYMOUS ARTIST 1 ARTWORK: RULER MEDIUM: MULTIMEDIA, DIGITAL COLLAGE, VIDEO, WRITTEN REPORT A message from the artist: This multimedia artwork explores existing threats against freedom of expression in Myanmar that are violating basic human rights, through three items including a digital collage, a video piece, and a written report. I use evidence-based materials such as newspapers and some documentation that display incidents of threat or violence that endanger freedom of expression. The work not only focuses on repression by authority figures, but also the ways in which society censors, reacts, approves, and disapproves of certain expressions. If we are not willing to listen to other people’s opinions, every one of us can be a threat to freedom of expression. Not needing someone’s permission to express is the foundation of freedom of expression and thus human rights. Is important to peace, health and the well-being of a society and is the first step to building a better society. Because of the current political circumstances, Myanmar’s society has slowly morphed into a culture of not listening to other people and focusing only on what one wants to see and hear. Increased violent interactions of threatening someone for saying something that you may not agree with online or offline is a threat to other’s rights to freely express. The work discusses social justice issues from a broader perspective by not looking only at people in charge, but everyone else as well. 49