Get involved

ICORN is dependent on the good will of funders, on the fantastic work of our partners in our cities, and on the numerous organisations and enthusiastic individuals who engage in the network.

ICORN is expanding quickly and we always need more hands and funds to keep the work going. We are more than 60 member cities hosting writers/artists at risk. We are growing fast, just as an increasing number of persecuted writers and artists are turning to ICORN for protection.

There are many ways you can engage and help us in our work to protect and promote the advocates of free expression that seek shelter residencies in the ICORN cities of refuge: You can make donations, help your city become a city of refuge and host writers/artists at risk, or join us as our partner and ambassador to ICORN writers and artists.

Funding/donations

ICORN is most grateful for the support given by trusts and foundations, public and private funders, who help us carry out our international programme for persecuted writers and artists worldwide.

If you are interested in supporting ICORN and believe we may be a good fit for your trust/foundation/initiative/business, please contact our Executive Director Helge Lunde for an initial discussion:
E-mail: helge(at)icorn.org

Direct contributions
If you wish to support us, you can also donate money directly to the organisation. The money transferred to this account will go directly to our Emergency fund. The Emergency fund helps writers and artists in urgent situations and/or on the run, while waiting to arrive in a city of refuge. The funding will help cover basic needs such as shelter, food, medicine, tele communication and transportation.

Bank: SPAREBANK 1 SR-BANK
Account IBAN: NO3832013065526
(for Norwegians account # 32013065526)
SWift/BIC: SPRONO22

PLEASE mark the donation: ICORN Emergency fund 107211

Come back soon for our new online donation!

Engage a writer/artist

Our writers/artists are great resources and contribute with expertise within many fields, based on both their professions and their knowledge and experiences of their respective home countries. In their cities of refuge writers/artists engage in different activities relative to their profession and qualifications. In panel discussions, for expert comments in the media, literary events, theatre plays, school visits, artistic workshops, journalistic training, interviews, concerts, human rights and political activism and much more.

Find a writer/artist for your event by searching the list of ICORN writers/artists. You can categorize by country of origin or city of refuge.

ICORN Administration Center can help you get in touch with the local city of refuge coordinator.

Recruit a city of refuge and host writers and artists at risk

To be able to offer residencies to the growing number of writers and artists who apply to ICORN, the network needs more dedicated cities. Over 50 cities are currently hosting a writer/artist or waiting for a writer/artist to arrive. The increasing number of writers/artists on ICORN’s waiting list can only be matched if more cites join the network!

Before committing to the Membership Agreement, your city needs to identify formal partners, establish finance and backing for the programme, find a coordinating institution and an accommodation for the writer/artist. Contact us and we will assist you in finding the best solution for your city.

How does my city become a city of refuge?

Learn more about the individual cities of refuge.