Events
Cambridge - Massachusetts
ARC @ TransCultural Exchange’s 2025 International Conference
7 March 2025
ARC hosts “Art on the Frontlines: Navigating Risks and Fostering Resilience,” a panel discussion at the TransCultural Exchange’s 2025 International Conference on Opportunities in the Arts: Avenues for Daring!
Online
How Artists in Ukraine Navigate War – Launch Event
6 March 2025
Join ARC and NGO Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA NGO) for a special panel discussion and launch event of MOCA NGO's "Navigating the War as Artists in Ukraine: A Practical Resource"
Remote
Art of Exile | Feb. 28
28 February 2025
Art of Exile, brings together three documentary shorts from directors Dara Kell & Veena Rao about 3 artists who challenge status quos, preconceived notions, and the boundaries of the permissible, followed by performances by two of the featured artists and Q&A
Online
ARC @ RightsCon 2025
26 February 2025
Participants will gain insights into how Indigenous artists are addressing environmental issues through various forms of expression, including visual arts, music, performance, and digital media.
Zanzibar - Tanzania
ARC @ PANAF 2025
14 February 2025
The panel will discuss how to support artists at risk across the region, delving into the structures that currently exist as well as generating strategies for what needs to be developed.
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.
India
Leena Manimekalai
Sudan
Osman Obaid
Russia
Zhenya Berkovich
Nicaragua
Ludwing Gómez
China
Rahima Mahmut
Palestine
Shareef Sarhan
Videos
Art of Exile Series Screening and Performance Event
Artistic Freedom in Africa: Developing a Regional Strategy for Censorship Board Reform
Podcasts
#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As of February 2025, Nicaragua has withdrawn from the UNHRC, no longer participating in key actions concerning the State’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a mechanism of the UNHRC that promotes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
🇺🇦 For years, the Ukrainian people have fought against the devastating invasion of their homeland. Arts, literature, and culture are on the front lines of the conflict, underscoring the atrocities of war, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the hope for a brighter future.
A new resource created by PEN Ukraine (@pen_ukraine) in cooperation with Sensor Media (@sensormedia.ua) helps to compile a diverse selection of 100 books that speak to #Ukraine’s history and cultural fabric, highlighting the nuance of the conflict and what is at stake.
Visit the resource and learn more about Ukrainian history and culture at: https://pen.org.ua/en/100-knyzhok-yaki-dopomozhut-zrozumity-ukrayinu
🇺🇦 For years, the Ukrainian people have fought against the devastating invasion of their homeland. Arts, literature, and culture are on the front lines of the conflict, underscoring the atrocities of war, the resilience of the Ukrainian people, and the hope for a brighter future.
A new resource created by PEN Ukraine (@pen_ukraine) in cooperation with Sensor Media (@sensormedia.ua) helps to compile a diverse selection of 100 books that speak to #Ukraine’s history and cultural fabric, highlighting the nuance of the conflict and what is at stake.
Visit the resource and learn more about Ukrainian history and culture at: https://pen.org.ua/en/100-knyzhok-yaki-dopomozhut-zrozumity-ukrayinu
#India 🇮🇳| Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) condemns charges raised against Kunal Kamra (@kuna_kamra) for his comedy and the ensuing attacks on The Habitat (@indiehabitat), a Mumbai cultural venue.
“The criminalization of comedy and the deliberate destruction of independent cultural spaces are a clear violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and cultural rights under international law. These repressive tactics stand in stark contrast to India’s democratic values and must be unequivocally condemned and halted.” commented in part ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
Last week, on 24 March, Kamra suffered through a police interrogation, eventually being charged with defamation. The complaint stems from the comedian referencing Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, in his comedy set.
That same day, The Habitat, where Kamra performed his set, was vandalized by supporters of Shinde’s Shiv Sena party, with local authorities also demolishing part of the space.
Amid the alarming criminalization of artists and cultural spaces in India, ARC calls on local police in Mumbai to drop charges filed against the comedian Kunal Kamra and for the cessation of attacks against The Habitat.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-calls-on-indian-authorities-to-drop-charges-against-comedian/
@freemuse.98 @penamerica @peninternational
#India 🇮🇳| Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) condemns charges raised against Kunal Kamra (@kuna_kamra) for his comedy and the ensuing attacks on The Habitat (@indiehabitat), a Mumbai cultural venue.
“The criminalization of comedy and the deliberate destruction of independent cultural spaces are a clear violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and cultural rights under international law. These repressive tactics stand in stark contrast to India’s democratic values and must be unequivocally condemned and halted.” commented in part ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
Last week, on 24 March, Kamra suffered through a police interrogation, eventually being charged with defamation. The complaint stems from the comedian referencing Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, in his comedy set.
That same day, The Habitat, where Kamra performed his set, was vandalized by supporters of Shinde’s Shiv Sena party, with local authorities also demolishing part of the space.
Amid the alarming criminalization of artists and cultural spaces in India, ARC calls on local police in Mumbai to drop charges filed against the comedian Kunal Kamra and for the cessation of attacks against The Habitat.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-calls-on-indian-authorities-to-drop-charges-against-comedian/
@freemuse.98 @penamerica @peninternational
📢🇺🇸New Executive Order (EO) challenging the Smithsonian Institution (@smithsonian) “is yet another devastating blow to the autonomy of American national cultural institutions and sites,” commented in part ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
ARC raises grave concerns over the U.S. administration’s latest EO which seeks to exert ideological control over the country’s largest complex of museums and cultural and educational sites, the Smithsonian Institution, citing what the White House calls “anti-American ideology.” The EO directs senior-level executive branch officials to work with Congress to effectuate the directive, defunding programs and exhibitions that “degrade shared American values.”
Congress, civil rights groups, and cultural leaders must rally against this EO and uphold the Smithsonian’s indispensable role as a forum of open dialogue surrounding the nation’s history.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-executive-order-undermining-smithsonian-institutions-integrity/
@penamerica @ncacensorship
📢🇺🇸New Executive Order (EO) challenging the Smithsonian Institution (@smithsonian) “is yet another devastating blow to the autonomy of American national cultural institutions and sites,” commented in part ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
ARC raises grave concerns over the U.S. administration’s latest EO which seeks to exert ideological control over the country’s largest complex of museums and cultural and educational sites, the Smithsonian Institution, citing what the White House calls “anti-American ideology.” The EO directs senior-level executive branch officials to work with Congress to effectuate the directive, defunding programs and exhibitions that “degrade shared American values.”
Congress, civil rights groups, and cultural leaders must rally against this EO and uphold the Smithsonian’s indispensable role as a forum of open dialogue surrounding the nation’s history.
👉Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-executive-order-undermining-smithsonian-institutions-integrity/
@penamerica @ncacensorship
🇵🇸 We must protect and stand up for Palestinian filmmakers.
Yesterday, the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (@filmmakersatrisk) published an urgent statement joining ARC and partners such as the European Film Academy (@europeanfilmacademy) and the International Documentary Association (@idaorg) to show support for the Palestinian filmmakers Hamdan Ballal and Abdallah Motan.
Motan, a Palestinian filmmaker and Ballal, an Oscar award winner for the film No Other Land, a moving documentary that demonstrates the destruction of the occupied West Bank, have both been subject to intense attacks and detentions due to their critical artistic work, identity, and activism. Ballal was released yesterday after being beaten and detained by Israeli settlers and soldiers. Motan was first unjustly detained in January and is currently in the Ofer Prison near Ramallah.
Israeli authorities must hold the Israeli settlers and soldiers responsible for the attack and abuse on Ballal accountable and immediately and unconditionally release Motan. Palestinian people and the artistic community must be protected and their fundamental rights upheld.
👉 To read ARC’s statements on the appalling attacks and detentions of Ballal and Motan, visit:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/oscar-winning-palestinian-documentary-director-attacked-and-detained-by-israeli-settlers-and-soldiers/
or
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-demands-immediate-release-of-palestinian-filmmaker-abdallah-motan/
👉 For ICFR’s full statement and actions you can take to support, visit:
https://www.icfr.international/cases/stand-up-for-hamdan-and-abdallah/
@filmlabpalestine @penamerica @sundanceorg @idfafestival @cinemadureel @tiff_net @freemuse.98
🇵🇸 We must protect and stand up for Palestinian filmmakers.
Yesterday, the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (@filmmakersatrisk) published an urgent statement joining ARC and partners such as the European Film Academy (@europeanfilmacademy) and the International Documentary Association (@idaorg) to show support for the Palestinian filmmakers Hamdan Ballal and Abdallah Motan.
Motan, a Palestinian filmmaker and Ballal, an Oscar award winner for the film No Other Land, a moving documentary that demonstrates the destruction of the occupied West Bank, have both been subject to intense attacks and detentions due to their critical artistic work, identity, and activism. Ballal was released yesterday after being beaten and detained by Israeli settlers and soldiers. Motan was first unjustly detained in January and is currently in the Ofer Prison near Ramallah.
Israeli authorities must hold the Israeli settlers and soldiers responsible for the attack and abuse on Ballal accountable and immediately and unconditionally release Motan. Palestinian people and the artistic community must be protected and their fundamental rights upheld.
👉 To read ARC’s statements on the appalling attacks and detentions of Ballal and Motan, visit:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/oscar-winning-palestinian-documentary-director-attacked-and-detained-by-israeli-settlers-and-soldiers/
or
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-demands-immediate-release-of-palestinian-filmmaker-abdallah-motan/
👉 For ICFR’s full statement and actions you can take to support, visit:
https://www.icfr.international/cases/stand-up-for-hamdan-and-abdallah/
@filmlabpalestine @penamerica @sundanceorg @idfafestival @cinemadureel @tiff_net @freemuse.98
🎥🌟ARC was truly honored to host the Art of Exile Series Documentary Screening and Performance Event in February on Zoom.
The screening of three breathtaking short films by directors Dara Kell (@darakell) and Veena Rao (@msveenarao) was be followed by live performances from featured artists Mai Khoi (@mai.khoi) and Ahmed Naji, and a reading from Moath al-Alwi’s lawyer, Beth Jacob.
The three films reveal an intimate portrait of artists displaced by war and censorship, navigating their lives and rebuilding their identities in exile.
Watch the panel event on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2PBL-Tw_Vw&rco=1
🎥🌟ARC was truly honored to host the Art of Exile Series Documentary Screening and Performance Event in February on Zoom.
The screening of three breathtaking short films by directors Dara Kell (@darakell) and Veena Rao (@msveenarao) was be followed by live performances from featured artists Mai Khoi (@mai.khoi) and Ahmed Naji, and a reading from Moath al-Alwi’s lawyer, Beth Jacob.
The three films reveal an intimate portrait of artists displaced by war and censorship, navigating their lives and rebuilding their identities in exile.
Watch the panel event on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2PBL-Tw_Vw&rco=1
📢 Today, ARC condemned the brutal attack and detention of Oscar-winning Palestinian documentary director Hamdan Ballal, reportedly carried out by Israeli settlers and soldiers.
The attack took place on 24 March in the village of Susya in the Masafer Yatta region as part of an “apparent organized and premeditated” assault. Ballal was beaten and, while being treated in an ambulance, was blindfolded and taken by Israeli soldiers to an unknown location. His whereabouts remained unknown for several hours until his lawyer confirmed he was being held at a military base.
“This blatant effort to silence Palestinian voices, especially those who speak truth through art, cannot go unchecked. We are relieved to see Hamdan Ballal released from custody, but urgently call on the Israeli authorities to guarantee his protection and hold the perpetrators to account,” shared ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
👉Read and share our statement to call for accountability and protection of Palestinian creatives: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/oscar-winning-palestinian-documentary-director-attacked-and-detained-by-israeli-settlers-and-soldiers/
@filmlabpalestine @penamerica @sundanceorg @idfafestival @cinemadureel @tiff_net @thenyff @lincolncenter @berlinale @cphdox @sydfilmfest @kviff @viffest
📢 Today, ARC condemned the brutal attack and detention of Oscar-winning Palestinian documentary director Hamdan Ballal, reportedly carried out by Israeli settlers and soldiers.
The attack took place on 24 March in the village of Susya in the Masafer Yatta region as part of an “apparent organized and premeditated” assault. Ballal was beaten and, while being treated in an ambulance, was blindfolded and taken by Israeli soldiers to an unknown location. His whereabouts remained unknown for several hours until his lawyer confirmed he was being held at a military base.
“This blatant effort to silence Palestinian voices, especially those who speak truth through art, cannot go unchecked. We are relieved to see Hamdan Ballal released from custody, but urgently call on the Israeli authorities to guarantee his protection and hold the perpetrators to account,” shared ARC Executive Director Julie Trébault.
👉Read and share our statement to call for accountability and protection of Palestinian creatives: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/oscar-winning-palestinian-documentary-director-attacked-and-detained-by-israeli-settlers-and-soldiers/
@filmlabpalestine @penamerica @sundanceorg @idfafestival @cinemadureel @tiff_net @thenyff @lincolncenter @berlinale @cphdox @sydfilmfest @kviff @viffest
🇮🇷🖋 “I, as a female Iranian poet, see myself as a fighter whose weapons are words.” -Mahtab Yaghma (@mahtab.yaghma)
On World Poetry Day, ARC is spotlighting Iranian poet and women’s rights activist Mahtab Yaghma. Mahtab’s poetry about female sexuality and Iranian womanhood made her a target of the Iranian government’s censorship and harassment. After being forced into exile for involvement in protest movements in 2020, Mahtab moved from Iran to Turkey and then Germany with her young son alongside her.
Read Mahtab’s powerful story of using her poetry to fight patriarchal oppression and denounce violence against women here: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/mahtab-yaghma/
#womanlifefreedom
🇮🇷🖋 “I, as a female Iranian poet, see myself as a fighter whose weapons are words.” -Mahtab Yaghma (@mahtab.yaghma)
On World Poetry Day, ARC is spotlighting Iranian poet and women’s rights activist Mahtab Yaghma. Mahtab’s poetry about female sexuality and Iranian womanhood made her a target of the Iranian government’s censorship and harassment. After being forced into exile for involvement in protest movements in 2020, Mahtab moved from Iran to Turkey and then Germany with her young son alongside her.
Read Mahtab’s powerful story of using her poetry to fight patriarchal oppression and denounce violence against women here: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/mahtab-yaghma/
#womanlifefreedom