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.
Hong Kong
Franki C.
Mexico
PH Joel
Nigeria
DJ Switch
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
🌍✍️ In just one week, world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly high-level week. ARC’s UN advocacy is growing stronger than ever.
In 2024, ARC + @unesco co-hosted "Defending Creative Voices: Protection of Artists in Times of Emergencies" at UN Headquarters in New York. Building on the UNESCO "Defending Creative Voices" report, the event spotlighted the impact of crises on artists and issued an urgent call for a dedicated UN Action Plan for the Safety of Artists and the Promotion of Free Artistic and Cultural Expression.
🎤 With voices like Alexandra Xanthaki @xanthakialexandra, Deeyah Khan @deeyahkhan, Dinaw Mengestu @dinaw_mengestu, DJ Switch @djswitchghana & Zarifa Adiba, the event laid the foundations for an international normative framework for artists protection.
📺 Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpOb9OuSOc&t=1s
As we enter high-level week and look ahead to ARC`s official side-events at #MONDIACULT2025 in Barcelona, we remains committed to embedding the protection of creative voices at the heart of the human rights agenda.
#UNGA #ArtisticFreedom #HumanRights #CulturalRights #CreativeVoices #MONDIACULT2025
🌍✍️ In just one week, world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly high-level week. ARC’s UN advocacy is growing stronger than ever.
In 2024, ARC + @unesco co-hosted "Defending Creative Voices: Protection of Artists in Times of Emergencies" at UN Headquarters in New York. Building on the UNESCO "Defending Creative Voices" report, the event spotlighted the impact of crises on artists and issued an urgent call for a dedicated UN Action Plan for the Safety of Artists and the Promotion of Free Artistic and Cultural Expression.
🎤 With voices like Alexandra Xanthaki @xanthakialexandra, Deeyah Khan @deeyahkhan, Dinaw Mengestu @dinaw_mengestu, DJ Switch @djswitchghana & Zarifa Adiba, the event laid the foundations for an international normative framework for artists protection.
📺 Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpOb9OuSOc&t=1s
As we enter high-level week and look ahead to ARC`s official side-events at #MONDIACULT2025 in Barcelona, we remains committed to embedding the protection of creative voices at the heart of the human rights agenda.
#UNGA #ArtisticFreedom #HumanRights #CulturalRights #CreativeVoices #MONDIACULT2025
One month ago, ARC marked a devastating anniversary for Afghanistan and its artists.
Three years ago, the Taliban returned to power, and an incredibly perilous - and foreseeable - situation for artistic freedom emerged. We remain profoundly inspired by those who continue to create in the face of extreme dangers.
Despite severe limitations and constant censorship, the grassroots street art initiative ArtLords @artlordsnet, founded and directed by Omaid Sharifi @omaid.sharifi, continues to champion democratic values, education, and women`s rights in Afghanistan by painting vibrant and powerful murals throughout the country. One of ArtLords recent murals in Kabul, I Will Build My Homeland, pictured above, considers the indispensable role of Afghan women in building peace and security.
Against this backdrop, ARC continues to act as a crucial resource. We actively support Afghan artists and activists and as of September 2025 we have connected more than 25 Afghan artists to support. Requests for assistance can be made on our website at:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/i-am-at-risk/
Read our profile on Omaid and ArtLords:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/artlords/
Image courtesy of the artist.
@peninternational @artatatimelikethis @freemuse.98
One month ago, ARC marked a devastating anniversary for Afghanistan and its artists.
Three years ago, the Taliban returned to power, and an incredibly perilous - and foreseeable - situation for artistic freedom emerged. We remain profoundly inspired by those who continue to create in the face of extreme dangers.
Despite severe limitations and constant censorship, the grassroots street art initiative ArtLords @artlordsnet, founded and directed by Omaid Sharifi @omaid.sharifi, continues to champion democratic values, education, and women`s rights in Afghanistan by painting vibrant and powerful murals throughout the country. One of ArtLords recent murals in Kabul, I Will Build My Homeland, pictured above, considers the indispensable role of Afghan women in building peace and security.
Against this backdrop, ARC continues to act as a crucial resource. We actively support Afghan artists and activists and as of September 2025 we have connected more than 25 Afghan artists to support. Requests for assistance can be made on our website at:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/i-am-at-risk/
Read our profile on Omaid and ArtLords:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/artlords/
Image courtesy of the artist.
@peninternational @artatatimelikethis @freemuse.98
“War does not spare anyone.” – Tamara Shevchuk
Every Saturday, ARC shares an artwork from one of the artists we’ve featured in the past. This week, we highlight Tamara.
Ukrainian graphic artist, painter, and illustrator Tamara Shevchuk has witnessed firsthand the impact of war on her country, especially its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
Through her creative expression and work as an art therapist, she sheds light on life under Russian occupation and demonstrates the vital role of art and culture during times of conflict.
Learn more: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/tamara-shevchuk/
Image credit: "Great Russian Army," 2022. Courtesy of the artist.
@art_from_shevchuk
“War does not spare anyone.” – Tamara Shevchuk
Every Saturday, ARC shares an artwork from one of the artists we’ve featured in the past. This week, we highlight Tamara.
Ukrainian graphic artist, painter, and illustrator Tamara Shevchuk has witnessed firsthand the impact of war on her country, especially its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
Through her creative expression and work as an art therapist, she sheds light on life under Russian occupation and demonstrates the vital role of art and culture during times of conflict.
Learn more: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/tamara-shevchuk/
Image credit: "Great Russian Army," 2022. Courtesy of the artist.
@art_from_shevchuk
Around the world, artists are stepping beyond the studio to imagine more open and just societies. With creativity at their core, their voices mobilize communities, challenge corruption, and inspire civically-minded futures.
In GlobalVoices #Kathmandu, youth-led protests and the rise of rapper and engineer Balen Shah–now mayor of Kathmandu–illustrate how artists can be powerful civic actors. His inspiring story is one of many that remind us: art is power.
Our report "Art is Power" documents how artists worldwide are advancing justice, freedom, and human rights.
🔗Discover more:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/publication/art-is-power-20-artists-on-how-they-fight-for-justice-and-inspire-change/
Image: Scene from the protests in Kathmandu, Nepal in September 2025. Photo via Facebook
#ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights #ArtIsPower #Nepal #GlobalVoices #Kathmandu
Around the world, artists are stepping beyond the studio to imagine more open and just societies. With creativity at their core, their voices mobilize communities, challenge corruption, and inspire civically-minded futures.
In GlobalVoices #Kathmandu, youth-led protests and the rise of rapper and engineer Balen Shah–now mayor of Kathmandu–illustrate how artists can be powerful civic actors. His inspiring story is one of many that remind us: art is power.
Our report "Art is Power" documents how artists worldwide are advancing justice, freedom, and human rights.
🔗Discover more:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/publication/art-is-power-20-artists-on-how-they-fight-for-justice-and-inspire-change/
Image: Scene from the protests in Kathmandu, Nepal in September 2025. Photo via Facebook
#ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights #ArtIsPower #Nepal #GlobalVoices #Kathmandu
“The snipers were positioned at the entrance, keeping the cemetery in their sights as if the dead might rise to take Putin.” – Party of the Dead (Max Evstropov), Russian multidisciplinary artist, activist, curator, and The Art of Resistance participant.
Every other week, 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 Max’s impactful work, and read his testimony: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/exhibition/party-of-the-dead-exhibition/
@peninternational @penamerica
“The snipers were positioned at the entrance, keeping the cemetery in their sights as if the dead might rise to take Putin.” – Party of the Dead (Max Evstropov), Russian multidisciplinary artist, activist, curator, and The Art of Resistance participant.
Every other week, 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 Max’s impactful work, and read his testimony: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/exhibition/party-of-the-dead-exhibition/
@peninternational @penamerica
One year into artist Gao Zhen’s ongoing detention in China, ARC, HRF and civil society partners condemn his ongoing imprisonment and the exit ban placed on his wife. We urge for his immediate release and the safe return of his family to the United States.
Gao was detained in Hebei province in Northern China on Aug 26, 2024, after police raided his Yanjiao studio and seized artworks. He is accused of “slandering heroes and martyrs” under the 2018 Heroes and Martyrs Law, raising concerns of retroactive prosecution.
Gao’s wife remains under an exit ban on “national security” grounds. Their 7-year-old son, a US citizen, has been unable to return to his home and schooling in New York, as his parents are barred from leaving China. With trial proceedings expected soon, Gao, 69, has refused a plea deal despite serious health issues.
Gao`s case underscores the urgent need for international attention to protect artistic freedom, children’s rights, and those facing transnational repression.
Read our joint statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/joint-statement-on-the-first-anniversary-of-gao-zhens-detention-demanding-his-urgent-release/
@hrf @channeldraw #freegaozhen
One year into artist Gao Zhen’s ongoing detention in China, ARC, HRF and civil society partners condemn his ongoing imprisonment and the exit ban placed on his wife. We urge for his immediate release and the safe return of his family to the United States.
Gao was detained in Hebei province in Northern China on Aug 26, 2024, after police raided his Yanjiao studio and seized artworks. He is accused of “slandering heroes and martyrs” under the 2018 Heroes and Martyrs Law, raising concerns of retroactive prosecution.
Gao’s wife remains under an exit ban on “national security” grounds. Their 7-year-old son, a US citizen, has been unable to return to his home and schooling in New York, as his parents are barred from leaving China. With trial proceedings expected soon, Gao, 69, has refused a plea deal despite serious health issues.
Gao`s case underscores the urgent need for international attention to protect artistic freedom, children’s rights, and those facing transnational repression.
Read our joint statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/joint-statement-on-the-first-anniversary-of-gao-zhens-detention-demanding-his-urgent-release/
@hrf @channeldraw #freegaozhen
ARC has signed Cultural Freedom Demands Collective Courage: A Nation-wide Statement of Values and Principles for the Field of Art and Culture!
In the face of increasing threats to artistic and intellectual freedom in the United States, the Statement reaffirms the arts sector’s commitment to retain programmatic independence and resist pressures of institutional self-censorship, which is the only way to ensure that future generations inherit robust cultural institutions that stimulate the imagination, engender free thinking, and incubate new futures.
ARC is grateful to be one of the key cultural organizations and leaders that spearheaded this crucial initiative.
Upon its publication, the Statement has more than 275 individual signatories working across the art and culture sector, as well as over 150 cultural institutions.
There is still time to sign and show your support!
👉JOIN US at https://www.collective-courage.com/
#CollectiveCourage @ncacensorship @veralistcenter
ARC has signed Cultural Freedom Demands Collective Courage: A Nation-wide Statement of Values and Principles for the Field of Art and Culture!
In the face of increasing threats to artistic and intellectual freedom in the United States, the Statement reaffirms the arts sector’s commitment to retain programmatic independence and resist pressures of institutional self-censorship, which is the only way to ensure that future generations inherit robust cultural institutions that stimulate the imagination, engender free thinking, and incubate new futures.
ARC is grateful to be one of the key cultural organizations and leaders that spearheaded this crucial initiative.
Upon its publication, the Statement has more than 275 individual signatories working across the art and culture sector, as well as over 150 cultural institutions.
There is still time to sign and show your support!
👉JOIN US at https://www.collective-courage.com/
#CollectiveCourage @ncacensorship @veralistcenter
“While this does not come as a surprise–given the current administration’s established pattern of placing highly partisan, ideological conditions on federally-funded cultural institutions–we are taken aback by the sheer brazenness of this attack.”
ARC is deeply outraged by the Trump administration’s “comprehensive review” of all Smithsonian materials and threats to replace those deemed “divisive” within 120 days.
This latest attack on the autonomy of the Smithsonian follows a series of highly partisan actions, including changes to grant requirements for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), as well as the president’s self-appointment as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Read our full statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-presidential-audit-undermining-smithsonian-autonomy/
@penamerica @peninternational @ncacensorship
“While this does not come as a surprise–given the current administration’s established pattern of placing highly partisan, ideological conditions on federally-funded cultural institutions–we are taken aback by the sheer brazenness of this attack.”
ARC is deeply outraged by the Trump administration’s “comprehensive review” of all Smithsonian materials and threats to replace those deemed “divisive” within 120 days.
This latest attack on the autonomy of the Smithsonian follows a series of highly partisan actions, including changes to grant requirements for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), as well as the president’s self-appointment as chairman of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Read our full statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-presidential-audit-undermining-smithsonian-autonomy/
@penamerica @peninternational @ncacensorship
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