What we do
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) defends and advances the right to artistic freedom, providing practical resources and support to artists and cultural workers, so they can live and work safely, free from fear.
Protect
ARC provides direct assistance to at-risk artists and connects them with an international network of organizations and resources.
Advocate
ARC monitors, documents, and advocates for artists targeted for their creative expression, social justice efforts, or human rights work. ARC defends and promotes artistic freedom around the world.
Amplify
ARC raises awareness about the challenges facing artists and cultural workers, and leads global calls for safeguarding the right to artistic freedom through storytelling, campaigns, publications, podcasts, and events.
Where we work
We work wherever artists face danger or repression, collaborating with local and international partners to ensure that no creative voice is silenced, regardless of geography or circumstances.
Africa
Latin America & The Caribbean
Asia & The Pacific
Middle East & North Africa
Europe
North America
Featured news from ARC
Artist
stories
Stories of at-risk artists from all over the world who are committed to protecting their right to freedom of expression and using their art to fight for justice.
Zimbabwe
Daniel Maposa
Nigeria
DJ Switch
Cuba
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara
Saudi Arabia
Ms Saffaa
Myanmar, {Burma}
Thiha
United States
Dread Scott
INSTAGRAM FEED
We are less than a week away from EXPO CHICAGO (@expochicago), a preeminent contemporary art fair held from 24 – 27 April 2025.
ARC is pleased to participate in the EXPO’s fourth annual Directors Summit, where ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault will give the keynote lecture.
This year, the Summit will examine museums as living organisms, their interdependent parts, and how to support institutional autonomy and reject present threats at a moment of dramatic changes sweeping the arts and culture sector.
To learn more about EXPO Chicago and plan your visit: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/event/arc-keynote-expo-chicago-directors-summit/
We are less than a week away from EXPO CHICAGO (@expochicago), a preeminent contemporary art fair held from 24 – 27 April 2025.
ARC is pleased to participate in the EXPO’s fourth annual Directors Summit, where ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault will give the keynote lecture.
This year, the Summit will examine museums as living organisms, their interdependent parts, and how to support institutional autonomy and reject present threats at a moment of dramatic changes sweeping the arts and culture sector.
To learn more about EXPO Chicago and plan your visit: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/event/arc-keynote-expo-chicago-directors-summit/
📢ARC in Libération 📰
Amid enhanced attacks on artistic freedom in the U.S., ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault spoke with Clémentine Mercier (@clemclem_mercier) from Libération (@liberationfr) about the alarming escalation in censorship, political interference, and cultural defunding at the federal, state, and local levels.
From GSA layoffs to the shuttering of DEI initiatives, Trébault underscored these affronts as symptoms of an increasingly repressive climate eroding creative expression and democratic values.
🔹 We’re grateful to journalists spotlighting these issues and amplifying our message.
Read the full article: https://www.liberation.fr/culture/arts/un-climat-de-peur-et-dautocensure-sinstalle-dans-tout-le-milieu-culturel-des-etats-unis-de-donald-trump-20250405_XYYS4GKXUVFO3HR543MT25EWOY/?datawallToken=GFT-af6d469fe581157f084e62cd6aef51eb
#artisticfreedom #artistsatrisk #freeexpression
📢ARC in Libération 📰
Amid enhanced attacks on artistic freedom in the U.S., ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault spoke with Clémentine Mercier (@clemclem_mercier) from Libération (@liberationfr) about the alarming escalation in censorship, political interference, and cultural defunding at the federal, state, and local levels.
From GSA layoffs to the shuttering of DEI initiatives, Trébault underscored these affronts as symptoms of an increasingly repressive climate eroding creative expression and democratic values.
🔹 We’re grateful to journalists spotlighting these issues and amplifying our message.
Read the full article: https://www.liberation.fr/culture/arts/un-climat-de-peur-et-dautocensure-sinstalle-dans-tout-le-milieu-culturel-des-etats-unis-de-donald-trump-20250405_XYYS4GKXUVFO3HR543MT25EWOY/?datawallToken=GFT-af6d469fe581157f084e62cd6aef51eb
#artisticfreedom #artistsatrisk #freeexpression
🇰🇪 “Art is more than just a form of expression—it’s a tool to challenge societal norms, raise awareness, and inspire action.”
ARC celebrates daring artists. Today, we spotlight Javan the Poet (@javan_thepoet), a socially engaged musician from Nairobi, Kenya. Javan speaks truth to power, channeling his artistic practice to denounce human rights violations, police brutality, and inequality in his country. “Art can give a voice to the voiceless,” he shared in an interview with ARC, “the diversity of mediums allows us to reach a broader audience and impact people across different walks of life.”
Through his lyrical musings and collaborations with creative collectives in poetry, hip-hop, radio drama, and graffiti scenes, Javan has been on the frontlines of social change in his community. He released the song “UWAGA” in collaboration with other artists, calling out police brutality, and, more recently, supported Sauti Jasiri, an arts advocacy initiative engaging youth that resulted in creative projects denouncing local human rights violations.
Javan’s story is a testament to the power of creativity to empower communities and push for positive change. To read his full artist story: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/javan-the-poet/
🇰🇪 “Art is more than just a form of expression—it’s a tool to challenge societal norms, raise awareness, and inspire action.”
ARC celebrates daring artists. Today, we spotlight Javan the Poet (@javan_thepoet), a socially engaged musician from Nairobi, Kenya. Javan speaks truth to power, channeling his artistic practice to denounce human rights violations, police brutality, and inequality in his country. “Art can give a voice to the voiceless,” he shared in an interview with ARC, “the diversity of mediums allows us to reach a broader audience and impact people across different walks of life.”
Through his lyrical musings and collaborations with creative collectives in poetry, hip-hop, radio drama, and graffiti scenes, Javan has been on the frontlines of social change in his community. He released the song “UWAGA” in collaboration with other artists, calling out police brutality, and, more recently, supported Sauti Jasiri, an arts advocacy initiative engaging youth that resulted in creative projects denouncing local human rights violations.
Javan’s story is a testament to the power of creativity to empower communities and push for positive change. To read his full artist story: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/javan-the-poet/
🇸🇩 Two Years of War in Sudan
Two years ago to the day, Sudan’s civil war broke out. In that time, millions have been displaced, thousands killed, and a generation of artists silenced or forced into exile.
In solidarity with the Sudanese creative community, ARC uplifts the work of cartoonist Osman Obaid (@osman_obaid), whose drawings shed light on oppression, hold those in power accountable, and serve as a vehicle to attain justice, equality, and peace.
His piece “Don’t Give Up” is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
Read Osman’s story and see his work here:
🔗 Link in bio or https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/osman-obaid
@khalidalbaih @raniamamoun @culture_resource @actforhope @ettijahat_independent_culture
#Sudan #SudaneseArtists #ArtInExile #StandWithSudan
🇸🇩 Two Years of War in Sudan
Two years ago to the day, Sudan’s civil war broke out. In that time, millions have been displaced, thousands killed, and a generation of artists silenced or forced into exile.
In solidarity with the Sudanese creative community, ARC uplifts the work of cartoonist Osman Obaid (@osman_obaid), whose drawings shed light on oppression, hold those in power accountable, and serve as a vehicle to attain justice, equality, and peace.
His piece “Don’t Give Up” is a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
Read Osman’s story and see his work here:
🔗 Link in bio or https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/osman-obaid
@khalidalbaih @raniamamoun @culture_resource @actforhope @ettijahat_independent_culture
#Sudan #SudaneseArtists #ArtInExile #StandWithSudan
📣 New York-based friends and colleagues—don’t miss out and join ARC on Thursday, 17 April, at 7 PM to celebrate the presentation of Ai Weiwei’s (@aiww) first graphic memoir, “Zodiac.”
The memoir, illustrated by Gianluca Costantini (@channeldraw) and Elettra Stamboulis (@elettrastamboulis), combines Weiwei’s splendid use of folklore and memory with a novel aesthetic language, building a refreshing exploration of the relationship between art, activism, and humanity.
Hosted by Salotto NYC (@salotto.nyc), a cultural research hub run by Italian creative professionals, the free event will feature insights from Costantini and Stamboulis on their creative process in conversation with ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault. We hope to see you there!
For more info and to register: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/event/arc-presentation-ai-weiwei-zodiac-a-graphic-memoir/
📣 New York-based friends and colleagues—don’t miss out and join ARC on Thursday, 17 April, at 7 PM to celebrate the presentation of Ai Weiwei’s (@aiww) first graphic memoir, “Zodiac.”
The memoir, illustrated by Gianluca Costantini (@channeldraw) and Elettra Stamboulis (@elettrastamboulis), combines Weiwei’s splendid use of folklore and memory with a novel aesthetic language, building a refreshing exploration of the relationship between art, activism, and humanity.
Hosted by Salotto NYC (@salotto.nyc), a cultural research hub run by Italian creative professionals, the free event will feature insights from Costantini and Stamboulis on their creative process in conversation with ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault. We hope to see you there!
For more info and to register: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/event/arc-presentation-ai-weiwei-zodiac-a-graphic-memoir/
In the fifth episode of a collaboration between Rialta’s (@rialtaediciones) “Caminero” and ARC’s “El Arte No Calla” podcasts, Cuban filmmaker Carlos Quintela (@carlosquintelaoficial) converses with Rialta’s Hilda Landrove (@hildalandrove) on his recent project “In the Name of Henry.”
The film, supported by ARC and PEN International’s (@peninternational) Cuban Migrant Artists Resilience Fellowship, explores the story of two competing artificial intelligences that interrogate the mystique surrounding the Cuban medical missions and the use of the aesthetics of revolution for political and economic gain.
To read an English summary of the episode or watch the full Spanish episode, visit: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/story/in-the-name-of-henry-conversacion-con-carlos-quintela/
In the fifth episode of a collaboration between Rialta’s (@rialtaediciones) “Caminero” and ARC’s “El Arte No Calla” podcasts, Cuban filmmaker Carlos Quintela (@carlosquintelaoficial) converses with Rialta’s Hilda Landrove (@hildalandrove) on his recent project “In the Name of Henry.”
The film, supported by ARC and PEN International’s (@peninternational) Cuban Migrant Artists Resilience Fellowship, explores the story of two competing artificial intelligences that interrogate the mystique surrounding the Cuban medical missions and the use of the aesthetics of revolution for political and economic gain.
To read an English summary of the episode or watch the full Spanish episode, visit: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/story/in-the-name-of-henry-conversacion-con-carlos-quintela/
On March 7, ARC participated in TransCultural Exchange’s (@transculturalexchange) 2025 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts: Avenues for Daring! At the conference, ARC hosted the keynote panel, “Art on the Frontlines: Navigating Risks and Fostering Resilience,” featuring the daring artivists Mosab Abu Toha (@mosab_abutoha), Achiro P Olwoch (@achirop), and Qudrat Wasefi (@qudratwasefi).
Moderated by ARC’s Executive Director, Julie Trébault, the panel served as a deep exploration of the challenges each artist faced in their home countries, informing a broader discussion on the increasingly serious attacks on freedom of expression in the United States. Speakers also shared strategies for resilience and suggestions for successfully organizing around the power of art to create positive change and heal the world.
At the conference, Executive Director Trébault was also honored to receive an award for the “Most Outstanding Advancement of Artistic Freedom.”
Photo Credit: Ann Fong
#artisticfreedom #culturalexchange #artivism
On March 7, ARC participated in TransCultural Exchange’s (@transculturalexchange) 2025 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts: Avenues for Daring! At the conference, ARC hosted the keynote panel, “Art on the Frontlines: Navigating Risks and Fostering Resilience,” featuring the daring artivists Mosab Abu Toha (@mosab_abutoha), Achiro P Olwoch (@achirop), and Qudrat Wasefi (@qudratwasefi).
Moderated by ARC’s Executive Director, Julie Trébault, the panel served as a deep exploration of the challenges each artist faced in their home countries, informing a broader discussion on the increasingly serious attacks on freedom of expression in the United States. Speakers also shared strategies for resilience and suggestions for successfully organizing around the power of art to create positive change and heal the world.
At the conference, Executive Director Trébault was also honored to receive an award for the “Most Outstanding Advancement of Artistic Freedom.”
Photo Credit: Ann Fong
#artisticfreedom #culturalexchange #artivism
#Nicaragua 🇳🇮| ARC and several free expression organizations urge the Nicaraguan State to resume cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
As of February 2025, Nicaragua has withdrawn from the UNHRC, no longer participating in key actions concerning the State’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a mechanism of the UNHRC that promotes the protection of human rights. Through their current UPR cycle, the Nicaraguan State has received nearly 280 recommendations from member states yet did not attend the adoption of the final UPR report scheduled for 26 March 2025.
The absence of the Nicaraguan State, especially at such a crucial moment of the UPR, is particularly concerning given the years-long human rights crisis in the country, in many ways precipitated by state-led repression of mass peaceful demonstrations that swept the country in 2018. Indicative of these continued concerns, in the past days, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua had their mandate renewed for two more years.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-and-partners-urge-nicarguan-state-to-resume-cooperation-with-unhrc
Photo Credit: Gabriela Selser
@article19mxca @committeetoprotectjournalists @sociedad_interamericana @ifex_official @pcinoficial @peninternational
#Nicaragua 🇳🇮| ARC and several free expression organizations urge the Nicaraguan State to resume cooperation with the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
As of February 2025, Nicaragua has withdrawn from the UNHRC, no longer participating in key actions concerning the State’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a mechanism of the UNHRC that promotes the protection of human rights. Through their current UPR cycle, the Nicaraguan State has received nearly 280 recommendations from member states yet did not attend the adoption of the final UPR report scheduled for 26 March 2025.
The absence of the Nicaraguan State, especially at such a crucial moment of the UPR, is particularly concerning given the years-long human rights crisis in the country, in many ways precipitated by state-led repression of mass peaceful demonstrations that swept the country in 2018. Indicative of these continued concerns, in the past days, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua had their mandate renewed for two more years.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-and-partners-urge-nicarguan-state-to-resume-cooperation-with-unhrc
Photo Credit: Gabriela Selser
@article19mxca @committeetoprotectjournalists @sociedad_interamericana @ifex_official @pcinoficial @peninternational
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