Artist Protection Fund — emergency support for artists facing repression and forced displacement

Emergency support for artists becomes critically important in situations of war, political repression, censorship and forced displacement. The loss of a professional environment, threats, exhibition bans, pressure from authorities or the risk of persecution often force artists to urgently leave their country and rebuild their lives in a completely new reality. Artist Protection Fund (APF) was created precisely for such situations — an international support program for artists facing direct threats. The program helps artists continue their artistic practice through a network of host organizations in different countries.
It is important to understand that APF is not a classic project grant and not a traditional artist residency. The program focuses primarily on supporting the artist themselves: helping to find a safe host institution, organize living and working conditions, and preserve the possibility of continuing professional activity after forced displacement.

How the program works
Artist Protection Fund collaborates with universities, museums, cultural institutions, art centers, theatre organizations and independent platforms in different countries. These organizations host program participants and become their professional support network during the fellowship period.
Host organizations help with accommodation, working conditions, adaptation and integration into a new cultural environment. In most cases, financial support is transferred to the host organization, which then provides the participant with a monthly stipend and helps cover basic living and professional expenses.
Having an existing connection with a university, residency or cultural institution may strengthen an application, but it is not a mandatory requirement.

Who the program is for
The program is especially suitable for:
— artists facing direct threats;
— authors who recently left their country because of war, repression or political persecution;
— artists continuing their professional practice in exile;
— representatives of vulnerable and underrepresented communities;
— artists with an already established artistic practice and professional potential.
Applicants from different disciplines are welcome: visual arts, photography, film, music, theatre, literature, performance and interdisciplinary practices.

It is especially important to consider that the program primarily focuses on artists who:
— are still located in a high-risk country;
— were recently forced to leave their country;
— continue facing threats and vulnerable conditions after displacement.
APF generally does not consider applications from artists who have been living in exile for more than two years or who already have stable residency status or citizenship in another country.

What participants receive
The program provides long-term support through a host organization. Participants receive the opportunity to live and work in a safe country, continue their artistic practice and build new international connections.
The stipend usually covers basic living and professional expenses. In addition to financial support, artists gain access to institutional environments, cultural communities and professional networks through the host organization.
For many participants, the program becomes not only temporary assistance but also a way to preserve their artistic identity, international connections and sustainable practice after forced displacement.

How to apply
Applications may be submitted independently or through third parties such as curators, colleagues, cultural organizations, human rights initiatives or professional communities.
Applicants are usually required to prepare:
— an online application;
— an artistic statement describing their practice;
— a personal statement explaining the threats and reasons for applying;
— an updated CV;
— a portfolio;
— two professional recommendation letters;
— two personal recommendation letters.
All materials are treated confidentially and are not shared outside the program without the applicant’s permission.

How applications are reviewed
The fund evaluates not only the artistic quality of the applicant’s work, but also the seriousness of the threats they face, the potential development of their practice and the possibility of continuing their work safely.
During the review process, program representatives may contact recommenders, regional experts and specialists familiar with the applicant’s situation. In sensitive cases, verification is conducted especially carefully to avoid increasing risks for the artist.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Emergency requests may be reviewed outside the regular schedule if the situation requires urgent intervention.

The next active review period is currently expected around autumn 2026.