Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)

??OUR NEW SITE IS NOW LIVE!?? After months in the making, ARC is thrilled to share our new and improved site! Building off ARC’s mandate and commitment to protect, advocate, and amplify artists' voices, our site’s new streamlined interface serves as a crucial hub and resource point for artists at risk and the organizations that support them. From region-specific pages to special tabs for artist stories, enhanced search functionality, and everything in between, the fresh design highlights ARC’s diverse programming over more than seven years of supporting artists at risk and looks towards the exciting initiatives yet to come. Check it out and share! ?? https://lnkd.in/dJaZNGFS

This Friday, ARC will host a panel “Art on the Frontlines: Navigating Risks and Fostering Resilience,” as part of Transcultural Exchange 2025! ? The panel will explore central themes such as how artistic freedom is under growing threat from authoritarian regimes, the weaponization of mis/disinformation, and how artists on the frontlines of social justice movements are frequently targeted due to their powerful creative voice. Panelists' firsthand experiences will highlight the most prevalent challenges artists face and underscore the critical role of global support networks in safeguarding artists at risk and freedom of expression. Panelists will include Ugandan author and playwright Achiro P. Olwoch, Cuban artist and activist Tania Bruguera, Palestinian poet, short-story writer, and essayist Mosab Abu Toha, and Afghan composer and trumpeter Qudrat Wasefi. Read more about ARC's participation! https://lnkd.in/d5XM9r_N

??????Join ARC and MOCA NGO for a special virtual event tomorrow at 6:00pm Kyiv time (11:00am EST) to mark the launch of their report "Navigating the War as Artists in Ukraine: A Practical Resource." Created with ARC's support, the report provides essential advice on ensuring both personal safety and the continuity of artistic practice amid the full-scale invasion. 80 of our own artist grantees shared their lived experiences, adding to a collection of lessons learned about staying safe in a full-scale war. Read the report in English and Ukrainian: https://lnkd.in/et6eDxwS And register for the bilingual panel event and concert: https://lnkd.in/eFe5jcyB PEN America PEN International Ukrainian Institute PinchukArtCentre Mystetskyi Arsenal Ukrainian Institute of America

?? ARC had the incredible pleasure of participating in the vibrant 2024 Festival En Zona last month in the heart of Mexico City! ????? The exciting four-day festival brought together a thrilling lineup of panel discussions, film screenings, art exhibitions, and so much more, celebrating creativity and fostering vital conversations. ?????? ARC was honored to support the participation of diverse artist-allies as well members of our Cuban Migrant Artists Resilience Fellowship in panels and film screenings, among them Carlos Quintela, Carlos Manuel álvarez, and Néstor Jiménez. We were thrilled to have Alessandro Zagato, ARC’s Latin America regional representative, moderate a compelling panel on “Forced Exile and Censorship in Cuba” alongside the extraordinary Cuban artists Rafael Rojas and Celia González. Their insights and stories captivated the audience, sparking thoughtful dialogue on this urgent topic. ???? A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this festival such a success. ?? #FestivalEnZona #ARC #LatinAmerica #CubanArt #CensorshipAndExile

“I reconstructed the theory of art for myself.” — Samia Halaby ??? At ARC’s and Art At A Time Like This's “Dangerous Art / Endangered Artists” summit, Palestinian-American artist Samia Halaby shared how the exclusion of Asian art from textbooks pushed her to reconstruct her theory, meaning, and understanding of art. ?? In conversation with Dread Scott during the “Artists at the Forefront of Social Movements” panel, Samia explored the role of artists in social change, the risks they take, and the impact of their work on society. This moment highlighted art as resistance and artists as changemakers. ??? What’s your take on the role of artists in social movements? Drop your thoughts below! ?? To watch the full panel, visit: https://lnkd.in/eBbVMZ6c?

?? Exhibition Alert! ARC is pleased to share that on December 19 at 7:00 PM in Galeria Plusartis in Madrid, Sandra Ceballos, a fellow in the second edition of ARC and PEN International’s Cuban Migrant Resilience Fellowship, will show her project "Desamparo con alevosía.” The stirring and powerful showing is a posthumous tribute to all the women and girls who have been victims of femicides divided into two facets. The first, “Voces finadas,” is a series of works that present victims of femicide themselves as powerful energies on a mission of divine justice, interrogating themes of revenge, pain, and guilt. The second, "Enunciado objetual,” is an installation and “crime scene” that deconstructs the act of femicide through art, evoking a call to reflection and action to uplift the stories of victims and survivors, calling for justice and reform. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this thought-provoking and moving exhibition! Please share and help us celebrate Sandra’s stunning art and continued women’s rights activism. #artisnotacrime #womenrights #exhibition #madrid

??? Celebrating Art, Resilience, and Collaboration! We’re thrilled to share that the 'Net Making' catalogue from the National Pavilion of Ukraine at the 60th International Art Exhibition of Fondazione La Biennale di Venezia is now available for pre-order! ?? This beautifully crafted?catalogue delves into the themes, artistry, and innovation of the 'Net Making' project, offering: ??? In-depth insights into the project's vision and impact ?? Featured works by talented artists ?? Contributions from curators and leading thinkers in the art world ?? Stunning visuals documenting the evolution and final installation of this remarkable exhibition We at ARC are honored to have collaborated with the Ukraine Pavilion on this meaningful endeavor, which highlights the power of art to connect, inspire, and advocate for change. ?? Don’t miss out—pre-order is open through mid-December at: istpublishing.org. Join us in celebrating this incredible journey of art and resilience. Let’s keep fostering creativity and dialogue on the global stage. ?? #NetMaking #UkrainianPavilion #LaBiennale #ContemporaryArt #Collaboration #ArtForChange #HumanRights #SupportArtists

??? Celebrating Art and Human Rights at the 7th Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Summit! ARC was honored to partner with Nhimbe Trust Official for this impactful summit, which spotlighted the critical role of art in promoting social change and protecting human rights. Key contributions included: ?? Lisa Sidambe, Cultural Governance and Democracy Programme Officer at Nhimbe Trust ?? Sam Brakarsh, ARC’s Africa Representative ?? adam shapiro, ARC’s Interim Senior Manager of International Programs Together, they shared insights on sustainable structures for artists’ protection and the transformative power of art in advocating for justice and equality. ?? A thought-provoking panel featuring Esther Ng'ambi, FUMBA CHAMA (Pilato), and Muleta Kapatiso provided invaluable strategies for safeguarding artistic freedom in Zambia and the region. Topics included government accountability, legislative reforms, and fostering solidarity networks to ensure lasting impact. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us in this important dialogue and look forward to continuing this work together to empower creative voices and defend artistic freedom across Southern Africa.

??? Celebrating Human Rights Day: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now Today is #HumanRightsDay. ARC is proud to honor five extraordinary artists who exemplify the transformative power of art in advancing human rights, fostering resilience, and challenging injustices: ???? Saúl Kak – A Zoque artist and advocate for indigenous rights and environmental justice, using his work to celebrate and defend cultural heritage. ???? Shakthika Sathkumara – A Sri Lankan writer who bravely confronts censorship and fights for freedom of expression through his storytelling. ???? Javan The Poet – A Kenyan spoken-word artist whose powerful performances inspire action against social and economic inequalities. ???? Anna Kostritskaya – A Ukrainian artist whose vibrant creations reflect resilience and hope amidst ongoing conflict. ???? Shareef Sarhan – A Palestinian photographer and painter capturing life in Gaza and advocating for peace through his art. These artists remind us that "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" is more than a theme—it’s a call to action. Let’s celebrate their contributions and reaffirm our collective commitment to human rights and creative freedom. ?? Join us in amplifying their voices and advocating for a future rooted in justice and equity. Read the full profiles for each of these artists here: https://lnkd.in/g5kkfcen #HumanRightsDay #OurRightsOurFutureRightNow #ArtForChange #ArtistsAtRisk #HumanRights #CreativityForJustice

??? Every day, artists around the world face unimaginable risks to resist oppression, inspire hope, and fight for justice. At ARC, we are scaling up our efforts to ensure that these brave individuals have access to emergency funding, legal aid, safe relocation, and the critical resources they need to continue their work on the frontlines of change. This #GivingTuesday, you can play a vital role in supporting artistic freedom. Your donation provides a lifeline to artists creating hope and shaping a brighter, more just future. Together, we can stand with artists and amplify their voices. Join us in making a difference today. ?? Donate now: https://lnkd.in/ev-FUiwQ #GivingTuesday #SupportArtists #ArtisticFreedom #StandWithArtists #Philanthropy #SocialImpact