Norrbotten Region enters into collaboration for artistic freedom and freedom of expression
It's now official: Region Norrbotten is a new member of the international cities of refuge network ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network). Region Norrbotten is now part of the work to support and protect threatened cultural workers and journalists around the world.
Region Norrbotten applied for membership earlier this fall. The announcement that it was now ready came directly from Helge Lunde, Executive Director of ICORN, at the organization's network meeting on November 13-14.
– ICORN is needed now more than ever, and I say that without a doubt. Last night we signed the agreement with Region Norrbotten. A warm welcome!
ICORN is a global network that provides safe havens for persecuted writers, artists and journalists. The aim is to protect freedom of expression and artistic freedom – fundamental democratic values that are under severe pressure in many parts of the world. According to Reporters Without Borders, the press freedom situation is worse than ever.
ICORN Director Helge Lunde began the network meeting by emphasizing the importance of the organization's work, including statistics from Reporters Without Borders.
Breathing space for the persecuted
For Region Norrbotten, membership is a way to contribute to freedom of expression and artistic freedom. Starting at the beginning of next year, we plan to support municipalities that want to become sanctuaries for persecuted cultural creators from other countries. The threatened cultural workers and journalists receive protection by being offered a residency for two years. The sanctuaries provide temporary protection and a breathing space where the persecuted cultural creators can develop and create new art, often in collaboration with the local community.
– We want to contribute to ensuring that artists who have been forced into silence have a chance to continue creating. It is about human rights, but also about enriching our cultural life and strengthening democracy in times of emergency, says Johannes Sundelin (S), chairman of the regional development committee in Region Norrbotten.
Johannes Sundelin (S), is pleased with the opportunity to contribute to a strengthened democracy.
A residency means that a cultural creator can come to, live and work in a location for an extended period of time. A residency program can include accommodation, a workplace, a scholarship and networking.
– ICORN is the perfect example of when the local meets the global, said Mikael Mats at the state agency, the Swedish Cultural Council, which manages and supports the Swedish sanctuary program.
Syrian poet Raafat Hekmat, a former sanctuary artist in Stockholm, testified that sanctuary cities make a difference:
– Writing and art are my life. ICORN saved my life when they invited me. I got a chance to breathe again, through my work, said Hekmat, who from Sweden founded the organization Pen Syria, the Syrian branch of the international organization for issues related to free speech.
“Important to take an active role”
In Norrbotten, Piteå and Luleå are already sanctuary municipalities. The hope is now that the Norrbotten Region will be able to take a role that contributes to more municipalities taking the step.
– It is important that we can now demonstrate an active role that contributes with concrete support, coordination and resources to the entire network, says Annica Löfling, coordinator at the Norrbotten Region's cultural unit and participant in the network meeting.
From left: Helge Lunde, Executive Director ICORN, Annica Löfling, Region Norrbotten, and Annika Strömberg, Chair of ICORN Sweden.
She has several ideas about how Region Norrbotten can contribute. An important area is education and training for artists in the refuge, for example around starting their own businesses. The region could apply for project funds for tours or exhibitions in collaboration with other counties and municipalities. A special group could be established to provide support to artists who come to the region, and to assist with practical advice and be a creative sounding board.
– We can contribute with expertise, contacts and opportunities to arrange larger meetings and tours, she says.
In a broader perspective, the region wants to highlight the experiences of sanctuary artists in conversations about democracy, freedom of expression and culture in times of emergency.
– They have experienced crisis and war and are first-hand witnesses to what happens when culture is not free. They know what it means when artistic freedom is threatened and democracy is dismantled. They have a lot to tell and that we can learn from, says Annica Löfling.
Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa