10 international emergency support programmes for artists facing emigration, threats or financial difficulties

We prepared this selection for artists who today need not an exhibition, competition, or residency, but real support during a difficult life situation. It includes programs offering emergency support for artists, assistance for artists in exile, relocation opportunities, financial aid, and professional support for authors facing security threats, persecution, illness, or loss of income. Not all international opportunities are connected to producing new projects. Sometimes the most important thing is the ability to stay safe, gain time to adapt, find a professional community, or continue working after a forced move. That is exactly why the programs in this selection exist. It is important to understand that organizations work differently. Some focus on artist relocation, others provide grants and fellowships, while others help rebuild professional networks and integrate into a new cultural environment. Many programs accept applications year-round, as crisis situations rarely follow fixed deadlines.

Artists at Risk (AR)
One of the best-known international initiatives supporting artists affected by war, political repression, and security threats or forced displacement. The organization helps connect artists with host institutions, temporary housing, residencies, and safe conditions for continuing artistic practice.
Suitable if: emergency support is needed due to threats or forced migration.
May not be suitable if: only a project grant is needed without a crisis situation.
Applications: ongoing.

Artists at Risk Connection (ARC)
An international emergency support network for artists and cultural workers. ARC helps navigate available assistance programs, connects applicants with partner organizations worldwide, and provides information on relocation opportunities, legal support, and safe ways to continue professional work.
Suitable if: you need to quickly identify available international support resources and understand possible next steps.
May not be suitable if: direct funding is required without participation in support programs.
Applications: ongoing.

Artist Protection Fund
An international support program for artists and cultural workers facing persecution. The fund helps organize safe relocation and cooperation with host cultural institutions, allowing participants to continue their professional activity after relocation.
Suitable if: there are real threats to personal safety, freedom of expression, or professional activity.
May not be suitable if: only a production grant for an artistic project is needed.
Applications: depend on host institutions.

Aid A
A support program for authors continuing to work in exile on themes related to freedom, human rights, war, memory, and democracy. Aid A provides funding for artistic projects and helps maintain creative practice after forced migration.
Suitable if: support is needed for an artistic project after relocation.
May not be suitable if: urgent relocation assistance is required.
Applications: several times per year.

Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI)
A program helping artists and cultural professionals relocate to the United States and navigate the adaptation process. Support may include legal consultations, assistance with documentation, housing support, and professional integration into a new country.
Suitable if: relocation to the United States is being considered and comprehensive support is needed during the process.
May not be suitable if: a short-term grant for a specific project is required.
Applications: ongoing.

Atelier des Artistes en Exil
A French organization supporting artists in exile. Participants gain access to studios, French language courses, cultural mediation, professional guidance, and opportunities for integration into the French art ecosystem.
Suitable if: long-term professional adaptation and support in France are needed.
May not be suitable if: a fast financial grant is required without participation in an educational or integration program.
Applications: regularly open.

Weltoffenes Berlin
An initiative of the Berlin Senate for artists and cultural professionals with international experience. The program helps participants build professional networks, engage in cultural projects, connect with local institutions, and restore professional activity after relocation.
Suitable if: integration into Germany’s cultural sector and expansion of professional contacts are priorities.
May not be suitable if: urgent financial assistance is required.
Applications: depend on the specific program.

The Gottlieb Foundation Individual Support Grant
One of the few international grants created specifically for artists with long-term professional practice experiencing financial hardship. The focus is not on a new project but on sustaining an artist’s career and artistic practice.
Suitable if: you have more than 20 years of artistic practice and need financial support to continue working.
May not be suitable if: your career is still at an early stage.
The next application cycle is expected in autumn.

Visual AIDS Artist+ Grant
A direct financial support program for artists living with HIV. The grant helps maintain artistic practice, cover necessary expenses, and continue working during periods of financial and personal instability.
Suitable if: support related to health circumstances and continuation of professional activity is needed.
May not be suitable if: the program does not match the applicant’s situation.
Applications: twice per year.

Pollock-Krasner Foundation
One of the most respected international foundations supporting professional artists. Grants are awarded to artists with established practices who need resources to continue working, purchase materials, and overcome financial difficulties.
Suitable if: financial support for artistic practice is needed and you have a strong professional portfolio.
May not be suitable if: there is no long-term professional experience and established artistic practice.
Applications: open year-round.

These programs demonstrate that the international support system for the arts extends far beyond grants, competitions, and residencies. Today, there are organizations that help artists stay safe, receive support during relocation, continue working after migration, overcome financial difficulties, and remain connected to professional communities even during the most challenging periods of life.