Cities of Refuge 1
Artist in residence application process Applicati
on The artist applies to be an artist in residence by completing the application form on ICORN’s website. All details are received and handled confidentially by ICORN’s secretariat. Validation PEN International validates the applications on behalf of ICORN. Matching Approved candidates are matched with an available space in a City of Refuge that matches the candidate’s profile and need for protection. A candidate has the right to decline an invitation from a City of Refuge without affecting their ability to receive an invitation from another City of Refuge in the network. However, ICORN cannot guarantee that the candidate will receive a new offer for a placement in another City of Refuge. Selection of artists in residence Many find it difficult to select artists in residence among the candidates suggested by ICORN. Remember that ICORN is available to provide support and advice. In order to facilitate selecting artists, some Cities of Refuge have defined one or more values or orientations based on the foundation of the City. It is important to consider all aspects in the selection process: professional/artistic/literary merits supporting freedom of expression, and the fact that there are strong humanitarian reasons for choosing a particular artist. Based on a dialogue between ICORN and the City of Refuge, normally the coordinator, ICORN makes a list of possible candidates for the city. It is common that Cities of Refuge have a selection committee that evaluates the criteria and makes the decision about who to invite for the two years residency, among ICORN’s recommendations for the city. A selection committee may consist of a City of Refuge coordinator together with the head of the institution or chief administrative officer. ICORN recommends that the City of Refuge does not involve politicians in the selection process so as to avoid selections being made on political grounds. Occasionally, a group made up of representatives from the city’s 9/49