A call for applications to ICORN will be announced early 2027
ICORN offers long-term, temporary residencies to writers, artists, and journalists who have faced or are facing persecution for exercising their right to freedom of expression through their profession.
The ICORN residency programme provides safe spaces for a standard period of two year, although some residencies are for one year. The purpose of the programme is to provide a safe space where writers, journalists, and artists can find safety while continuing their work and exercising their right to freedom of expression without fear of persecution, censorship, or interference.
ICORN will be issuing a call for applications early 2027. Please check in then for the official call and details on how to apply.
Any additional conditions beyond our regular requirements will be indicated when the call for applications is announced.
The call will be open to writers, artists, and journalists, including:
- Creative and Non-Fiction Writers (novelists, poets, short story writers, lyricists, playwrights, screenwriters, journalists, academics, essayists, bloggers, new media writers).
- Artists and Cultural Producers (visual artists, performance artists, theatre, film and media, sculptors, cartoonists, new media artists).
- Musicians (composers, instrumental and singers, producers).
Who are either:
- At risk as a direct consequence of their writing or artistic production – in danger of being killed, abducted, physically attacked, or ‘disappeared’.
- Sentenced to, or at risk of being imprisoned by state and/or non-state actors as a direct result of their writing and/or artistic production.
- Unable to express themselves freely through writing and/or artistic production for fear of persecution due to actual and/or probable actions by state and/or non-state actors.
Please note: an ICORN residency can only be realised through the formal procedures described above. Any direct request for an ICORN residency to Cities of Refuge will be referred back to ICORN.
Find more information in our FAQ.
ICORN is not an urgent response organisation, and we cannot confirm if or when an eligible candidate for residency will receive an offer. We strongly encourage you to continue to search for alternative options to safety.
Please visit our Resources page for links to other organisations that may be relevant and able to provide support.
Mandate and Limitations
These clarifications may help you assess whether ICORN is a suitable option for your needs and request:
- ICORN is not an urgent response organisation and does not offer emergency residencies or financial support.
- ICORN is unable to facilitate visa or asylum status to anyone not invited to an ICORN residency.
- ICORN is not a refugee organisation and cannot assist large numbers of people affected by war and political upheaval.
- ICORN has no influence over national immigration authorities and must abide by the laws and regulations of each country within which it operates.
- If you are in a safe country and have refugee or another residency status which provides grounds for long-term residency, your case falls outside the ICORN mandate. If you are in a safe country waiting for a response to an asylum claim, ICORN cannot assess your case before the asylum claim has been settled/rejected.
- It is free of charge to apply to ICORN: ICORN does not have application fees or other fees that are charged to those seeking an ICORN residency. ICORN does not have any representatives who are authorised to charge any fees to advise on the application process. If you are approached by people claiming to represent or act on behalf of ICORN, please inform us at application@icorn.org.
Data Privacy
ICORN processes, stores, and protects personal data in accordance with Norwegian and European data protection laws. As part of your application, we store the information provided by you to help us understand your situation, verify the information provided, assess your eligibility, and identify suitable opportunities. This includes personal details, contact information, professional background, and documentation relating to your circumstances.
Personal information is stored securely and is only shared with potential host cities (ICORN Cities of Refuge), migration authorities, and trusted partner organisations, when necessary and with your explicit consent.
ICORN retains personal data for different time periods, depending on your application status and in accordance with ICORN's legal obligations. You have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal data, as well as the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
For more information, please read ICORN's Privacy Policy, or contact ICORN's Data Protection Officer at dataprotection@icorn.org.
