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.
Mexico
PH Joel
Nigeria
DJ Switch
Cuba
Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara
China
Rahima Mahmut
Turkey
Aslı Erdoğan
Russia
Yulia Tsvetkova
Exhibitions
The Art of Resistance:
Contemporary Art from
Russia & Belarus
Curated by Vera Shengalia
INSTAGRAM FEED
“This latest arrest of Toomaj Salehi, after previous arrests and even a commuted death sentence, is yet another chapter in a campaign of sustained harassment that the rapper is facing for his public comments.”
Amid the nearly week-old war triggered by Israeli attacks on Iran, human rights groups have warned of a heightened crackdown on dissent by Tehran. Salehi has full-throatedly condemned Israel’s strikes on his country, while also decrying the failure of Iranian authorities to protect citizens in the face of the bombardment which began on June 13.
The Iranian rapper was first arrested in October 2022 after publicly supporting the mass protest movement, “Woman, Life, Freedom,” that emerged in response to the killing of Mahsa Amini.
ARC calls on the Iranian government to immediately disclose Salehi’s whereabouts, release him without delay, and end its campaign of intimidation against artists.
Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-irans-targeting-of-dissident-rapper-salehi-amid-war/
#WomanLifeFreedom #FreeToomaj @penamerica @peninternational @pen_canada @toomajofficial
“This latest arrest of Toomaj Salehi, after previous arrests and even a commuted death sentence, is yet another chapter in a campaign of sustained harassment that the rapper is facing for his public comments.”
Amid the nearly week-old war triggered by Israeli attacks on Iran, human rights groups have warned of a heightened crackdown on dissent by Tehran. Salehi has full-throatedly condemned Israel’s strikes on his country, while also decrying the failure of Iranian authorities to protect citizens in the face of the bombardment which began on June 13.
The Iranian rapper was first arrested in October 2022 after publicly supporting the mass protest movement, “Woman, Life, Freedom,” that emerged in response to the killing of Mahsa Amini.
ARC calls on the Iranian government to immediately disclose Salehi’s whereabouts, release him without delay, and end its campaign of intimidation against artists.
Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-irans-targeting-of-dissident-rapper-salehi-amid-war/
#WomanLifeFreedom #FreeToomaj @penamerica @peninternational @pen_canada @toomajofficial
🕊️ Yesterday, in Paris, ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault, with Cité internationale des arts (@citedesartsparis), On the Move (@otm.network), and DutchCulture (@dutchcultureamsterdam), had an inspiring conversation with refugee artists: Taigué Ahmed (@taigueahmed), a dancer from Chad and Zhenya Machneva (@zhemachneva), a textile artist from Russia.
The conversation also gathered numerous influential exiled artists, including Iranian filmmaker Hossein Rajabian (@hosseinrajabian) and Burmese visual artists Nge Lay (@ngelayartist) and Aung Ko (@aungko_artist).
On #WorldRefugeeDay, we honor their courage and the hundreds of artists ARC has supported—those forced to flee because their creativity, voices, and visions challenge power and demand change.
In this spirit, don’t miss "Poser pour la Liberté" at Campus Condorcet (@campuscondorcet)—an evocative tribute to academics and artists in exile, created by ARC board member Pascale Laborier and photographer Pierre-Jérôme Adjedj (@pierre.jerome.adjedj). The exhibition is supported by the PAUSE program and Institut Convergences Migrations (@icmigrations).
https://www.campus-condorcet.fr/fr/agenda/journee-mondiale-des-refugies
@ehess_officiel
🕊️ Yesterday, in Paris, ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault, with Cité internationale des arts (@citedesartsparis), On the Move (@otm.network), and DutchCulture (@dutchcultureamsterdam), had an inspiring conversation with refugee artists: Taigué Ahmed (@taigueahmed), a dancer from Chad and Zhenya Machneva (@zhemachneva), a textile artist from Russia.
The conversation also gathered numerous influential exiled artists, including Iranian filmmaker Hossein Rajabian (@hosseinrajabian) and Burmese visual artists Nge Lay (@ngelayartist) and Aung Ko (@aungko_artist).
On #WorldRefugeeDay, we honor their courage and the hundreds of artists ARC has supported—those forced to flee because their creativity, voices, and visions challenge power and demand change.
In this spirit, don’t miss "Poser pour la Liberté" at Campus Condorcet (@campuscondorcet)—an evocative tribute to academics and artists in exile, created by ARC board member Pascale Laborier and photographer Pierre-Jérôme Adjedj (@pierre.jerome.adjedj). The exhibition is supported by the PAUSE program and Institut Convergences Migrations (@icmigrations).
https://www.campus-condorcet.fr/fr/agenda/journee-mondiale-des-refugies
@ehess_officiel
ARC strongly condemns the Israeli targeting of civilians in armed conflict, including the devastating loss of artists and cultural voices, among them was 22-year-old Iranian poet, reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, Parnia Abbasi, whose lives and work are essential to the fabric of society.
“Parnia Abbasi was not only a gifted poet but a symbol of a generation daring to dream. Her death is a tragic reminder that in war, it is often the storytellers and truth-tellers who are among the first to fall.” Julie Trébault, Executive Director, Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
ARC strongly condemns the Israeli targeting of civilians in armed conflict, including the devastating loss of artists and cultural voices, among them was 22-year-old Iranian poet, reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran, Parnia Abbasi, whose lives and work are essential to the fabric of society.
“Parnia Abbasi was not only a gifted poet but a symbol of a generation daring to dream. Her death is a tragic reminder that in war, it is often the storytellers and truth-tellers who are among the first to fall.” Julie Trébault, Executive Director, Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
✊🏽🇲🇽 ”Art is the thread that weaves our past into our future. It carries our voices, our grief, and our hope. And no matter what happens, it will continue to speak.” - PH Joel
PH Joel is a Tseltal Maya artist from the Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas, Mexico. Working across various media, his art embodies a deep connection to Indigenous memory, oral history, and the resistance of his people.
🌟Read our full profile on PH Joel, and his work!
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/ph-joel/
✊🏽🇲🇽 ”Art is the thread that weaves our past into our future. It carries our voices, our grief, and our hope. And no matter what happens, it will continue to speak.” - PH Joel
PH Joel is a Tseltal Maya artist from the Lacandon Jungle in Chiapas, Mexico. Working across various media, his art embodies a deep connection to Indigenous memory, oral history, and the resistance of his people.
🌟Read our full profile on PH Joel, and his work!
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/ph-joel/
"Our land is united by the experience of this violence; that’s what brings us closer together." – Uladzimir Hramovich (@uladzimir__hramovich), Belarusian multidisciplinary artist, activist, and The Art of Resistance participant.
Every other Friday, ARC is featuring an artist from our new digital exhibition, The Art of Resistance: Contemporary Art from Russia and Belarus.
This moving testament to the power of creative defiance in the face of authoritarianism brings together 13 visual artists from Russia and Belarus who have mobilized to oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to advocate for peace.
See Uladzimir’s powerful work, and read his story at:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/exhibition/uladzimir-hramovich-exhibition/
#ArtistsAgainstTheWar #artivism #TheArtofResistence #UNESCO
"Our land is united by the experience of this violence; that’s what brings us closer together." – Uladzimir Hramovich (@uladzimir__hramovich), Belarusian multidisciplinary artist, activist, and The Art of Resistance participant.
Every other Friday, ARC is featuring an artist from our new digital exhibition, The Art of Resistance: Contemporary Art from Russia and Belarus.
This moving testament to the power of creative defiance in the face of authoritarianism brings together 13 visual artists from Russia and Belarus who have mobilized to oppose the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to advocate for peace.
See Uladzimir’s powerful work, and read his story at:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/exhibition/uladzimir-hramovich-exhibition/
#ArtistsAgainstTheWar #artivism #TheArtofResistence #UNESCO
ARC condemns the Whitney Museum’s firing of Associate Director Sara Nadal-Melsió and the concurrent suspension of the entire Independent Study Program (ISP) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The actions transpired following the last-minute cancellation of the ISP’s cohort’s capstone work, No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom, a powerful performance mourning Palestinian lives and exploring colonial violence.
We continue to stand with the students and curators of the Whitney ISP, including Fadl Fakhouri (@fadlfakhouri), Noel Maghathe, Fargo Tbakhi (@youknowfargo), Natalie Diaz (@ndinn), Christina Sharpe, Brandon Shimoda (@brandon_shimoda), and Sara Nadal‑Melsió, whose voices were silenced and express our fear for the future autonomy of the ISP if and when it is reinstated. This latest act reflects a growing wave of institutional censorship across the U.S.—a trend we documented in a joint report with the Association of Art Museum Directors (@museumdirectors) and PEN America (@penamerica)
We urge the Whitney to live up to its purported mission of championing risk-taking art and upholding critical reflection.
🔗To read the full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/whitney-museums-suspension-of-isp-termination-of-associate-director-undermine-artistic-freedom/
#ArtisticFreedom #WhitneyMuseum #Censorship #ISP
ARC condemns the Whitney Museum’s firing of Associate Director Sara Nadal-Melsió and the concurrent suspension of the entire Independent Study Program (ISP) for the 2025-2026 academic year.
The actions transpired following the last-minute cancellation of the ISP’s cohort’s capstone work, No Aesthetic Outside My Freedom, a powerful performance mourning Palestinian lives and exploring colonial violence.
We continue to stand with the students and curators of the Whitney ISP, including Fadl Fakhouri (@fadlfakhouri), Noel Maghathe, Fargo Tbakhi (@youknowfargo), Natalie Diaz (@ndinn), Christina Sharpe, Brandon Shimoda (@brandon_shimoda), and Sara Nadal‑Melsió, whose voices were silenced and express our fear for the future autonomy of the ISP if and when it is reinstated. This latest act reflects a growing wave of institutional censorship across the U.S.—a trend we documented in a joint report with the Association of Art Museum Directors (@museumdirectors) and PEN America (@penamerica)
We urge the Whitney to live up to its purported mission of championing risk-taking art and upholding critical reflection.
🔗To read the full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/whitney-museums-suspension-of-isp-termination-of-associate-director-undermine-artistic-freedom/
#ArtisticFreedom #WhitneyMuseum #Censorship #ISP
This week, on 11 June at 12:30 PM ET, join ARC, co-sponsored by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment - MOME (@madein_ny), for the webinar “Music, Freedom, and Global Lessons to Confront National Challenges.”
Today, we want to spotlight the talented speakers who will share their insights on music and artistic freedom:
🎸 Siddique Ahmed (@sidahmd), also known as Sohrab, is an Afghan bassist and founding member of the band Kabul Dreams (@kabuldreams). Sid is an adept instrumentalist with experience on keyboard, bass guitar, violin, and most recently, the Rubab. Sid’s artistic oeuvre extends beyond playing in his band, including music composition for numerous films.
🎧 DJ Switch (@djswitch_) is a Nigerian performing artist and activist. She has won shows, including the Star Quest and the X-Factor West Africa. In addition to her numerous accolades, Switch founded her company, SwitchNation Entertainment Limited, in 2014. She is now working to establish a nonprofit called RenovateNigeria to provide a platform for socially and politically conscious creatives.
🎭 David D’Omni (@daviddomni) is a Cuban multidisciplinary artist and musician. His artistic journey began in Alamar as part of the collective Omni-Zonafranca. His music blends genres such as Hip Hop, Reggae, and electronic music. He has held numerous lectures, concerts, and other events worldwide, promoting social change through art.
🎙️ Nadine El Roubi (@nadineelroubi) is a Sudanese rapper. She made her mark on the music scene in 2020 with her explosive freestyle“#FEMALE,” having since amassed millions of streams. With co-signs from industry heavyweights like SZA, A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi White, and recognition from Rolling Stone, Nadine has quickly cemented herself as a breakthrough artist, poised to leave a lasting impact on both the SWANA region and the global music scene.
Register now for FREE! ➡️ bit.ly/arc-nymusicmonth
#NYMUSICMONTH @shira_gans
This week, on 11 June at 12:30 PM ET, join ARC, co-sponsored by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment - MOME (@madein_ny), for the webinar “Music, Freedom, and Global Lessons to Confront National Challenges.”
Today, we want to spotlight the talented speakers who will share their insights on music and artistic freedom:
🎸 Siddique Ahmed (@sidahmd), also known as Sohrab, is an Afghan bassist and founding member of the band Kabul Dreams (@kabuldreams). Sid is an adept instrumentalist with experience on keyboard, bass guitar, violin, and most recently, the Rubab. Sid’s artistic oeuvre extends beyond playing in his band, including music composition for numerous films.
🎧 DJ Switch (@djswitch_) is a Nigerian performing artist and activist. She has won shows, including the Star Quest and the X-Factor West Africa. In addition to her numerous accolades, Switch founded her company, SwitchNation Entertainment Limited, in 2014. She is now working to establish a nonprofit called RenovateNigeria to provide a platform for socially and politically conscious creatives.
🎭 David D’Omni (@daviddomni) is a Cuban multidisciplinary artist and musician. His artistic journey began in Alamar as part of the collective Omni-Zonafranca. His music blends genres such as Hip Hop, Reggae, and electronic music. He has held numerous lectures, concerts, and other events worldwide, promoting social change through art.
🎙️ Nadine El Roubi (@nadineelroubi) is a Sudanese rapper. She made her mark on the music scene in 2020 with her explosive freestyle“#FEMALE,” having since amassed millions of streams. With co-signs from industry heavyweights like SZA, A Tribe Called Quest’s Jarobi White, and recognition from Rolling Stone, Nadine has quickly cemented herself as a breakthrough artist, poised to leave a lasting impact on both the SWANA region and the global music scene.
Register now for FREE! ➡️ bit.ly/arc-nymusicmonth
#NYMUSICMONTH @shira_gans
“This renewed travel ban is a grave threat to international cultural exchange and freedom of expression. By denying entry to artists and cultural practitioners solely based on their nationality, the U.S. government is erecting barriers that stifle creativity, censor voices, and sever long-standing bonds of artistic solidarity; an impact we have felt for years following the administration’s first travel ban. ARC rejects this discriminatory order and calls on the U.S. government to uphold its obligations to human rights, artistic freedom, and cultural dialogue.” — ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault
Following President Trump’s total travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, and restrictions on travel and student visas for nationals from seven additional countries, ARC and PEN America (@penamerica) express our deep concern about the impact these bans will have on artistic, cultural, and academic communities.
Learn more and read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/white-house-travel-ban-undercuts-free-speech-sabotages-haven-for-intellectual-and-cultural-exchange/
@otm.network @unesco @tamizdat_inc
“This renewed travel ban is a grave threat to international cultural exchange and freedom of expression. By denying entry to artists and cultural practitioners solely based on their nationality, the U.S. government is erecting barriers that stifle creativity, censor voices, and sever long-standing bonds of artistic solidarity; an impact we have felt for years following the administration’s first travel ban. ARC rejects this discriminatory order and calls on the U.S. government to uphold its obligations to human rights, artistic freedom, and cultural dialogue.” — ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault
Following President Trump’s total travel ban on nationals from 12 countries, and restrictions on travel and student visas for nationals from seven additional countries, ARC and PEN America (@penamerica) express our deep concern about the impact these bans will have on artistic, cultural, and academic communities.
Learn more and read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/white-house-travel-ban-undercuts-free-speech-sabotages-haven-for-intellectual-and-cultural-exchange/
@otm.network @unesco @tamizdat_inc
Want to see more?
Follow us on socials
Want to support artists at risk?
We rely on your donations.
Subscribe to ARC’s newsletter
Subscribe to ARC’s quarterly newsletter and e-blasts for the lastest updates on artistic freedom.