About ARC

Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) is an independent international organization whose mission is to defend and advance the right to artistic freedom, providing practical resources and support for artists and cultural workers at risk worldwide.

Our Mission

We work to protect artists and cultural workers at risk due to their creative expression, often tied to their identities or roles within their communities. By providing vital resources and support, ARC helps them navigate challenges such as persecution, censorship, harassment, threats, and violence from both state and non-state actors—whether targeted for their art or their broader impact on cultural, social, and political issues.

Founded in 2017, ARC was incubated under PEN America, the U.S. chapter of PEN International. In August 2024, ARC registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and as an association in France under French law (Loi 1901).

What we do

At ARC, we provide comprehensive support to at-risk artists and cultural workers through four main areas:

Protection Support

ARC offers immediate emergency grants for artists facing imminent threats that cover essential needs like legal aid, relocation, housing, and more. In addition, ARC taps into its wide network to help at-risk artists connect with vital resources and opportunities for immediate assistance.

Resilience & Skill Building

ARC offers artists and organizations tailored safety training, capacity-building workshops, and fellowship. We foster connections between at-risk artists and global cultural communities, creating spaces for collaboration, learning, and shared support. Discover our training guides and tools.

Research & Public Outreach

Through publications, podcasts, events, policy papers, and social media campaigns, ARC raises awareness of artistic freedom issues, and the challenges artists and cultural workers face around the world. We partner with academic institutions, local art organizations, and international organizations to produce research that sheds light on critical issues. Check out our publications.

Advocacy & Policy Engagement

ARC builds coalitions with international and regional partners to elevate the voices of artists currently at risk and advance policies that protect artistic freedom. Together, we work to shape a world where artists and cultural workers everywhere can safely express themselves. Read our latest statements.

Who we support

Artists of all disciplines and cultural workers in every creative field can seek our support.

Artists

ARC’s definition of “artist” is inclusive, encompassing those who work across any creative field or medium, including visual artists, musicians, cartoonists, filmmakers, performance artists, dancers, writers, and more.