Nacka municipality has joined ICORN, the International Cities of Refuge Network, and will offer a persecuted artist, journalist or writer a safe place to live and work for two years. The step makes Nacka one of about 25 municipalities and regions in Sweden that offer a safe place to cultural creators persecuted because of their work.
What the membership means
Under the programme, Nacka will host one person at a time who cannot work freely in their home country. The municipality offers:
- housing for two years
- financial support
- practical help in everyday life
- the possibility to live and work without threats or censorship
During the stay, the guest will have the opportunity to recover while continuing their creative and professional work. Local cultural life and the libraries will be important partners in welcoming the person and creating opportunities for professional contacts and participation in cultural life. The refuge coordinator is Sabina Plomin, development lead at the municipality’s Culture and Leisure Unit.
Why Nacka is joining
The municipality says that through the membership it contributes to defending basic democratic values such as freedom of expression and artistic freedom. At the same time, residents will have the chance to meet perspectives and experiences from people who have worked under very different conditions from those in Sweden. “We are proud that Nacka is now part of ICORN,” said Monica Brohede Tellström (Liberals), chair of the culture committee.
How ICORN works
ICORN is an international network of cities and regions that offers temporary protection to writers, journalists, artists and other cultural creators who face threats or persecution because of their work. The organisation works to strengthen freedom of expression, democracy and artistic freedom worldwide. The refuge programme is carried out in close cooperation with international organisations that assess and verify the need for protection of the people offered a place.