PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.
The Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) expands on PEN America’s work by defending artists and safeguarding the right to artistic freedom of expression. Launched in 2017, ARC works at the intersection of art and society to address the needs of artists at risk and facilitate collaboration between the organizations that serve them, creating networks of advocacy and empowerment. ARC aims to safeguard the right to artistic freedom of expression around the world and works to ensure that artists of all disciplines everywhere can live and work without fear. With a global network of 800 organizations providing crucial resources for artists and cultural practitioners at risk, ARC plays the critical role of liaising between threatened artists and the organizations that support them. We raise awareness around threats to artistic freedom and the work of persecuted artists and mobilize arts and cultural institutions to play a more prominent role in assisting their field’s most vulnerable members. Since its inception, ARC has supported more than 600 artists from over 63 countries in receiving direct support, including fellowships and residencies, emergency funding, legal assistance, and advocacy, among other forms of assistance, from partner organizations.
If you or someone you know is an artist at risk, contact ARC at arc@pen.org and read the Safety Guide for Artists, available in Spanish, English, and French, to understand, navigate and prepare for risk.