Cities of Refuge 1
The task of the Swedish Arts Council When there i
s a threat to free speech, a cornerstone of our democracy is jeopardised. By standing up for freedom of expression and artistic freedom, we are defending the foundations of our society. Freedom of expression is also the basis of Swedish national cultural policy. The Swedish Arts Council has been tasked by the Government to promote the establishment of more Cities of Refuge for persecuted artists as well as to develop the Cities of Refuge network in Sweden. The Swedish Arts Council is also mandated to promote awareness of issues relating to Cities of Refuge as well as helping existing artists in residence in Sweden to have greater opportunities to become part of the public sphere. This task should be carried out in collaboration with the relevant authorities and organisations in civil society as well as with municipalities and county councils. The Swedish Arts Council can make funds available to cover costs in connection with an invited artist in residence’s stay in Sweden. Grants care available for: ● projects that improve an artist’s accessibility to and ability to participate in the artistic and cultural public sphere (debates, seminars, recitals, meetings and other public events), ● translation of the work of artists in residence prior to an event or publication in book, newspaper or magazine format, ● activities that support the creative work of invited artists in residence, ● efforts that support artists in residence in participating in artistic and social contexts. Part of the grant may be used to fund national coordinators of the Cities of Refuge programme in Sweden. 4/49