Freedom, Culture, Refuge ICORN Annual Assembly

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Image courtesy of CCCb

The International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) is an international association of cities that promotes the creation of safe havens for writers and artists facing persecution.

The International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN) is a non-governmental organization founded in 2006 in Stavanger, Norway. Its purpose is to offer protection and promote freedom of expression through an international network of cities that provide temporary refuge to writers, journalists and artists who are persecuted for their professional work. In a global context of democratic decline, the rise of authoritarianism and increasing limitations on public criticism, creators are often subject to censorship, surveillance, threats, legal persecution and imprisonment. Their work—documenting abuses, drawing attention to conflicts and preserving cultural diversity—puts them on the front lines. In response to this situation, ICORN’s efforts draw on the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, especially Article 19, which guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of information.

The ICORN program offers two-year residencies in member cities, providing a safe environment, institutional support and access to cultural and professional networks so that creators can continue to work freely. Since its founding, more than 80 cities in Europe, the United States and Latin America have joined the network, including Barcelona, and the program has aided some 300 creators.

The annual ICORN meeting in Barcelona is organized in cooperation with PEN Català, with the support of the Barcelona City Council, the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Spanish Ministry of Culture. 

The event will be held in Catalan and in English.

For more events check our online events calendar.