Get involved

ICORN is dependent on the good will of funders, the fantastic work of our partners in our Member Cities, and on the numerous organisations and enthusiastic individuals engaged in the network.

ICORN is quickly expanding, meaning we always need more hands and funds to keep this important work going. With ongoing crises across the world, an increasing number of persecuted writers, artists and journalists are turning to ICORN for protection. There are more than 60 Member Cities currently hosting an ICORN resident. 

There are many ways in which you can engage and help us in our aim to protect and promote the advocates of free expression who seek shelter residencies in the ICORN Cities of Refuge:

• Make donations
• Help your city become an ICORN City of Refuge and host an ICORN resident
• Join us as our partner and ambassador to ICORN writers, artists, and journalists

Funding support and donations 

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

Funding ICORN

If you are interested in supporting ICORN and believe we may be a good fit for your organisation, please contact ICORN's Executive Director Helge Lunge for an initial discussion.

E-mail: helge@icorn.org

Phone: +47 51 50 71 25

Donating to ICORN

If you wish to directly support ICORN, you can make a donation to the organisation.

Any donations go directly to our 'Emergency Fund' which is used to help writers, artists, and journalists in urgent situations, on the run or/and whilst waiting to arrive in an ICORN City of Refuge. The Emergency Fund helps cover basic needs such as shelter, food, medicine, communication and transportation means. 

Bank account details:

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

PLEASE mark the donation: 'ICORN Emergency Fund 710018'. 

Recruit an ICORN City of Refuge to host an ICORN resident

ICORN needs more dedicated cities to be able to offer residencies to growing number of applicants. With over 60 Member Cities currently hosting or waiting for a resident to arrive, the increasing number of writers, artists and journalists on ICORN's waiting list can only be tackled if more cities join the network.

Before committing to the ICORN Membership Agreement, your city needs to:

• Identify formal partners
• Establish financial and political backing for the programme
• Find a coordinating institution
• Have available accommodation for the potential ICORN resident

Find out how a city becomes an ICORN City of Refuge

Find a list of the current ICORN Cities of Refuge

Any other questions? Contact us and we will assist you in finding the best solution for your city.

Engage an ICORN Resident

Our ICORN Residents, whether writers, artists, or journalists, contribute with expertise within a multitude of fields and based on rich knowledge as well as professional and personal lived experiences in their respective home countries and beyond. 

In their ICORN Cities of Refuge, ICORN residents engage in a wide variety of activities related to their profession, qualifications, and experiences. ICORN Residents regularly participate in panel discussions, expert media commentary, literary festivals, school and local community visits, art and theatre workshops, concerts, human rights and political activism, journalistic training and much more. 

Find an ICORN resident for your event on our ICORN Residents list. You can categorise by country of origin or ICORN City of Refuge.

Need help? Contact us and we will help you get in touch with the relevant ICORN City of Refuge Coordinator.