Events
Addis Ababa - Ethiopia
PANAF 2026 – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
6 - 8 February 2026
At the PANAF Summit 2026, artists, activists, policymakers, funders, and cultural leaders from across the continent will come together in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to explore how creativity thrives—and transforms—within today’s shifting digital and economic realities. From 6–8 February 2026, PANAF Summit will once again affirm one message: that to be free to create is to be free to define the future.
Paris, France
ARC @ Forum Europe Créative 2025
2 December 2025
This forum invites artists, cultural professionals, audiovisual and media actors, researchers and decision-makers to reflect together: How, today in Europe, can culture still defend freedom, revive engagement, and nurture a democracy in flux?
Tijuana - Mexico
ARC @ Cine Sin Fronteras
18 - 22 November 2025
Cine Sin Fronteras is an international event that utilizes film, art, human rights, and cultural diplomacy to dignify the migrant experience.
New Orleans, LA
ARC @ National Performance Network 2025 Conference
As The Theater Offensive offered in its rules for fellowship in this era: “No blame. No hatred. Love. Unity. Liberation. Abundance.” With Giselle Byrd, The Theater Offensive; Anjee Helstrup-Alvarez, MACLA; and Julie Trébault, Artists at Risk Connection.
Barcelona - Spain
Cultural Rights Now | MONDIACULT 2025
1 October 2025
ARC will cohost the panel "Cultural Rights Now: Voices at Risk, Access in Action" as part of MONDIACULT 2025. The discussion is in collaboration with EBA — Europe Beyond Access, the Diputació de Barcelona, and the British Council.
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
PANAF 2025 - DAY 2
Podcasts
🇮🇷 ARC strongly condemns reported killings and attacks against artists in Iran amid nationwide protests that began on 28 December 2025.
Despite severe information blackouts, credible human rights organizations and international media report that thousands of civilians have been killed.
Among the victims are artists Mehdi Salahshour, Javad Ganji, Rubina Aminian, and Soroush Soleimani, who were shot and killed by government forces.
ARC mourns these losses and calls on Iranian authorities to immediately halt violence, arbitrary detention, and repression against protesters and artists.
🔗 Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-attacks-on-artists-by-iranian-forces/
#Iran2026 #ArtisticFreedom #ArtistsAtRisk #HumanRights
🇮🇷 ARC strongly condemns reported killings and attacks against artists in Iran amid nationwide protests that began on 28 December 2025.
Despite severe information blackouts, credible human rights organizations and international media report that thousands of civilians have been killed.
Among the victims are artists Mehdi Salahshour, Javad Ganji, Rubina Aminian, and Soroush Soleimani, who were shot and killed by government forces.
ARC mourns these losses and calls on Iranian authorities to immediately halt violence, arbitrary detention, and repression against protesters and artists.
🔗 Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-condemns-attacks-on-artists-by-iranian-forces/
#Iran2026 #ArtisticFreedom #ArtistsAtRisk #HumanRights
🇹🇿⛓️ ARC calls on authorities in Tanzania to end the judicial harassment of Emanuel Mathias, a multimedia artist and art teacher who was arbitrarily detained on 11 December in Dar es Salaam and later released on bail without charge.
He was detained just one week after his wife gave birth to their child—placing his family in a particularly vulnerable situation. Despite his release, he remains subject to restrictive police conditions.
His detention violated Tanzanian law and comes amid a wider crackdown on artists and civil society following the recent presidential election.
🔗 Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-calls-for-end-to-harassment-of-tanzanian-artist-emanuel-mathias/
#Tanzania #EmanuelMathias #ArtisticFreedom #ArtistsAtRisk #HumanRights #Tanzania
🇹🇿⛓️ ARC calls on authorities in Tanzania to end the judicial harassment of Emanuel Mathias, a multimedia artist and art teacher who was arbitrarily detained on 11 December in Dar es Salaam and later released on bail without charge.
He was detained just one week after his wife gave birth to their child—placing his family in a particularly vulnerable situation. Despite his release, he remains subject to restrictive police conditions.
His detention violated Tanzanian law and comes amid a wider crackdown on artists and civil society following the recent presidential election.
🔗 Read our full statement: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/statement/arc-calls-for-end-to-harassment-of-tanzanian-artist-emanuel-mathias/
#Tanzania #EmanuelMathias #ArtisticFreedom #ArtistsAtRisk #HumanRights #Tanzania
🚨 Artistic freedom depends on international cooperation.
ARC is alarmed by the U.S. decision to withdraw from dozens of international and UN-affiliated bodies, including the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), a key institution safeguarding artistic freedom and cultural rights worldwide.
“International cooperation is essential to protecting artists at risk.”
— Julie Trébault, Executive Director, ARC
At a time of rising censorship, digital surveillance, forced displacement, and gender-based violence against artists, stepping away from these frameworks puts creative voices at greater risk.
#ArtistsAtRisk #ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights #FreeExpression
@peninternational @penamerica @magdalena_moreno @freemuse.98 @otm.network @artistic_freedom_initiative @culture_action_europe @treatmentactiongroup @minorityrightsgroup @cartoonistsrights @aliph_foundation @worldmonumentsfund @kulturradet.se @urgentactionfund
🚨 Artistic freedom depends on international cooperation.
ARC is alarmed by the U.S. decision to withdraw from dozens of international and UN-affiliated bodies, including the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA), a key institution safeguarding artistic freedom and cultural rights worldwide.
“International cooperation is essential to protecting artists at risk.”
— Julie Trébault, Executive Director, ARC
At a time of rising censorship, digital surveillance, forced displacement, and gender-based violence against artists, stepping away from these frameworks puts creative voices at greater risk.
#ArtistsAtRisk #ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights #FreeExpression
@peninternational @penamerica @magdalena_moreno @freemuse.98 @otm.network @artistic_freedom_initiative @culture_action_europe @treatmentactiongroup @minorityrightsgroup @cartoonistsrights @aliph_foundation @worldmonumentsfund @kulturradet.se @urgentactionfund
“I believe it is regrettable that many Venezuelan artists are not condemning the military intervention of the USA in Venezuela, especially artists addressing geopolitical issues in their work and assuming postcolonial stances. I have actively participated in the opposition to Chavismo since 2003… I still oppose the regime but this does not mean I support any foreign intervention in the country… Venezuela as any other country`s sovereignty must be respected.”
— Javier Téllez, New York City-based artist from Valencia, Venezuela
ARC is sharing this Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) piece to foreground five Venezuelan artists who have lived through repression, economic collapse, exile, and loss—and who continue to speak despite the risks. Their perspectives do not always neatly cohere, and they should not.
The artists featured in this piece offer clear, principled perspectives grounded in lived experience and long-standing opposition to authoritarian rule. Their work has often served as a form of resistance and documentation. At the same time, these Venezuelan artists also insist–clearly and urgently–that Venezuelan sovereignty must be respected and that unilateral military action by the United States contravenes international law and carries dangerous, ulterior motives.
At ARC, we believe the reflections of Venezuelan artists are especially valuable now. They resist binary narratives and foreground the complex realities faced by their communities. Their voices remind us that lasting transformation must come from Venezuelans themselves, rooted in justice, dignity, and self-determination.
Read the full piece: Hyperallergic — “Five Venezuelan Artists Respond to US Attacks:” https://hyperallergic.com/five-venezuelan-artists.../...
Image credit: Shadow Play, 2014. Courtesy of the artist and Peter Kilchmann Galerie, Zurich.
#Venezuela #ArtistsSpeak #CulturalVoices #ArtAndJustice #ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights
“I believe it is regrettable that many Venezuelan artists are not condemning the military intervention of the USA in Venezuela, especially artists addressing geopolitical issues in their work and assuming postcolonial stances. I have actively participated in the opposition to Chavismo since 2003… I still oppose the regime but this does not mean I support any foreign intervention in the country… Venezuela as any other country`s sovereignty must be respected.”
— Javier Téllez, New York City-based artist from Valencia, Venezuela
ARC is sharing this Hyperallergic (@hyperallergic) piece to foreground five Venezuelan artists who have lived through repression, economic collapse, exile, and loss—and who continue to speak despite the risks. Their perspectives do not always neatly cohere, and they should not.
The artists featured in this piece offer clear, principled perspectives grounded in lived experience and long-standing opposition to authoritarian rule. Their work has often served as a form of resistance and documentation. At the same time, these Venezuelan artists also insist–clearly and urgently–that Venezuelan sovereignty must be respected and that unilateral military action by the United States contravenes international law and carries dangerous, ulterior motives.
At ARC, we believe the reflections of Venezuelan artists are especially valuable now. They resist binary narratives and foreground the complex realities faced by their communities. Their voices remind us that lasting transformation must come from Venezuelans themselves, rooted in justice, dignity, and self-determination.
Read the full piece: Hyperallergic — “Five Venezuelan Artists Respond to US Attacks:” https://hyperallergic.com/five-venezuelan-artists.../...
Image credit: Shadow Play, 2014. Courtesy of the artist and Peter Kilchmann Galerie, Zurich.
#Venezuela #ArtistsSpeak #CulturalVoices #ArtAndJustice #ArtisticFreedom #CulturalRights
📢 ARC in the press—Reflecting on last year.
As we get started in the new year, ARC is looking back at moments throughout 2025 when we’ve been featured in the press.
📰 Today, we highlight ARC’s feature in La Lettre du Musicien, where Executive Director Julie Trébault spoke about efforts to impose ideological control over publicly funded cultural institutions—and how artists continue to resist.
The article explores the impact on classical music and the importance of cross-border solidarity in defending artistic freedom.
🔗 Read the full article:
https://lalettredumusicien.fr/article/face-a-trump-le-classique-souffre-mais-resiste-8731
#YearInReview #ArtisticFreedom #FreeExpression #ARCinThePress
📢 ARC in the press—Reflecting on last year.
As we get started in the new year, ARC is looking back at moments throughout 2025 when we’ve been featured in the press.
📰 Today, we highlight ARC’s feature in La Lettre du Musicien, where Executive Director Julie Trébault spoke about efforts to impose ideological control over publicly funded cultural institutions—and how artists continue to resist.
The article explores the impact on classical music and the importance of cross-border solidarity in defending artistic freedom.
🔗 Read the full article:
https://lalettredumusicien.fr/article/face-a-trump-le-classique-souffre-mais-resiste-8731
#YearInReview #ArtisticFreedom #FreeExpression #ARCinThePress
“Safety is never a promise. It is just a way to get me to compromise.” — @badiucao
Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao uses sharp visual satire to challenge censorship, state violence, and repression. After years of working anonymously to protect his family, he continues to create work that refuses silence and insists on artistic freedom.
📖 Read his story: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/badiucao-2/
Image credit: "Free Jimmy Lai," 2025. Courtesy of the artist.
#Badiucao #ArtIsPower #ArtistSpotlight #Artivism
“Safety is never a promise. It is just a way to get me to compromise.” — @badiucao
Chinese political cartoonist Badiucao uses sharp visual satire to challenge censorship, state violence, and repression. After years of working anonymously to protect his family, he continues to create work that refuses silence and insists on artistic freedom.
📖 Read his story: https://artistsatriskconnection.org/artist-voice/badiucao-2/
Image credit: "Free Jimmy Lai," 2025. Courtesy of the artist.
#Badiucao #ArtIsPower #ArtistSpotlight #Artivism
🌟 HAPPY NEW YEAR from ARC! 💫
As ARC steps into 2026, we confront a world marked by armed conflicts, rising authoritarianism, and shrinking space for artistic and cultural expression, but we move forward, with hope and determination.
Artistic freedom is not abstract. It is a cornerstone of human rights, a source of resilience, and a powerful catalyst for change. ARC’s work is rooted in supporting and defending artists and cultural workers at risk, mobilizing collective and coordinated protection, and championing the transformative power of artistic expression.
🫂 While the challenges ahead may feel daunting, one truth remains: it begins with us. Standing together—visual artists, musicians, dancers, poets, cultural workers, and creatives of all kinds—we are numerous, resilient, and enduring.
✨ Here’s to courage, collaboration, and hope in this new year.
#HappyNewYear #2026 #ArtisticFreedom #HumanRights #CreativeResistance #TogetherWeStand 🌏✨
🌟 HAPPY NEW YEAR from ARC! 💫
As ARC steps into 2026, we confront a world marked by armed conflicts, rising authoritarianism, and shrinking space for artistic and cultural expression, but we move forward, with hope and determination.
Artistic freedom is not abstract. It is a cornerstone of human rights, a source of resilience, and a powerful catalyst for change. ARC’s work is rooted in supporting and defending artists and cultural workers at risk, mobilizing collective and coordinated protection, and championing the transformative power of artistic expression.
🫂 While the challenges ahead may feel daunting, one truth remains: it begins with us. Standing together—visual artists, musicians, dancers, poets, cultural workers, and creatives of all kinds—we are numerous, resilient, and enduring.
✨ Here’s to courage, collaboration, and hope in this new year.
#HappyNewYear #2026 #ArtisticFreedom #HumanRights #CreativeResistance #TogetherWeStand 🌏✨
🇰🇷📢 ARC joins ICFR call: Drop all charges against Jung Yoon-suk!
ARC has signed a joint-statement with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk and global partners urging Korean authorities to drop all charges against South Korean filmmaker Jung Yoon-suk.
Jung was charged after documenting civil unrest outside Seoul’s Western District Court, and now faces legal penalties and a lengthy prison sentence. His prosecution, simply for acting in the public interest, sets a dangerous precedent for filmmakers and artistic expression more broadly.
Read the full joint statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/.../drop-all-charges.../
@filmmakersatrisk @iffr @idaorg @freemuse.98 @idfafestival
#ArtisticFreedom #FreeJungYoonSuk #ArtistsAtRisk
🇰🇷📢 ARC joins ICFR call: Drop all charges against Jung Yoon-suk!
ARC has signed a joint-statement with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk and global partners urging Korean authorities to drop all charges against South Korean filmmaker Jung Yoon-suk.
Jung was charged after documenting civil unrest outside Seoul’s Western District Court, and now faces legal penalties and a lengthy prison sentence. His prosecution, simply for acting in the public interest, sets a dangerous precedent for filmmakers and artistic expression more broadly.
Read the full joint statement:
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/.../drop-all-charges.../
@filmmakersatrisk @iffr @idaorg @freemuse.98 @idfafestival
#ArtisticFreedom #FreeJungYoonSuk #ArtistsAtRisk