Artists at Risk — emergency resources and relocation for artists from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia
Emergency relocation for artists has become one of the most urgent challenges following the outbreak of war, the escalation of political repression and the forced exile of artists and cultural workers.
To respond to these situations, Artists at Risk (AR) created a dedicated emergency support platform for artists and cultural workers from Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. The platform includes urgent application forms, emergency support contacts, hosting organizations and international resources for temporary accommodation and relocation.
The platform functions specifically as a system of emergency support and temporary relocation assistance for people facing crisis situations.
What opportunities are available
Separate application forms are available on the platform:
— for artists and cultural workers from Ukraine;
— for Belarusian and Russian artists facing political threats;
— for organizations willing to become hosting institutions.
Through the Artists at Risk system, artists may receive:
— emergency relocation;
— temporary accommodation;
— residency support;
— assistance from hosting organizations;
— access to an international network of cultural solidarity;
— contacts for urgent support resources.
The organization also collects international residency programs and additional resources for artists forced to leave their country.
How the application system works
To apply, applicants must complete a special application form and provide detailed information about:
— their current situation;
— the level of threat they face;
— the urgency of relocation;
— their artistic practice;
— their current location;
— possible relocation support needs.
The organization separately warns that due to the high number of applications, waiting times for responses may take several days, and emergency support contacts should only be used in truly urgent cases.
A separate system for Belarusian and Russian artists
For Belarusian and Russian artists facing political threats, there is a separate application form and a dedicated emergency support team.
The program is specifically aimed at:
— artists under threat of persecution;
— authors with anti-war or civic positions;
— cultural workers in need of urgent relocation;
— artists requiring a hosting organization or temporary safe space.
The role of hosting organizations
Artists at Risk also works directly with international organizations willing to host artists and cultural workers. Universities, residencies, cultural institutions and independent spaces can apply as hosting organizations and become part of the support system.
Through these organizations, artists may receive:
— temporary housing;
— workspace;
— a professional environment;
— assistance with integration;
— the possibility to continue their practice after relocation.
What is important to understand
The platform was created specifically as an emergency support resource for crisis situations. It is not a traditional competitive program for artistic projects, and it does not require long motivational applications or focus on exhibition production.
The main goals of the system are:
— helping artists quickly find a safe environment;
— providing support after forced displacement;
— preserving the ability to continue artistic practice.
Due to the highly sensitive nature of many applications, the organization places strong emphasis on applicant safety and confidentiality.
Why this resource is especially important
In situations of war, repression and forced exile, artists often need not only financial assistance, but also reliable contacts, a hosting organization, temporary housing and an international support system.
Artists at Risk has become one of the key international initiatives working with emergency relocation for artists and support for cultural workers in crisis situations.
