FAQs Writers, Artists, Journalists

What is an ICORN residency?  

The ICORN residency programme is a temporary protection programme for writers, journalists, and artists who face persecution because of their artistic, journalistic or cultural expression, and are unable to work or express themselves freely in their home country or region.

The purpose of the programme is to provide a safe space where writers, journalists, and artists can find rest and respite while continue their work and exercising their right to freedom of expression without fear of persecution, censorship, or interference.

The standard duration of an ICORN residency is two years, but some residencies are 1 year. The programme offers a grant covering living costs and accommodation, access to public services in the country/city of residence, and travel expenses related to relocation. The hosting ICORN City of Refuge also supports in building and developing professional networks and opportunities during the residency.

As part of the ICORN programme, residents become connected to a wider international network of writers, artists, journalists, human rights defenders, and cultural and human rights institutions through ICORN’s global network of Cities of Refuge and partners.

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Who can apply for an ICORN residency?  

Writers, artists, and journalists who can document professional literary, journalistic, and/or artistic work, and who face documented or credible threats, persecution, or restrictions because of their ideas and opinions, or creative expression may apply for the ICORN residency programme.  

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). 

And 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. 

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How do I apply for an ICORN residency?  

All applications for an ICORN residency must be submitted through ICORN’s official application system. Information about the next Call for Applications, including guidelines and instructions, will be published on the ‘I am at Risk’ section of the ICORN website.  

The next Call for Applications is expected to open in early 2027.

The ICORN Secretariat reviews, assesses, and vets the applications. If your application is selected for further assessment, we will contact you regarding the next steps in the process. If your application is not selected for further assessment, you will be notified accordingly.  

If your application is approved following assessment, you become a candidate for a potential ICORN residency. ICORN will then present your case to Cities of Refuge with available residencies. Please note that this does not however guarantee that you will be offered a residency.  

Contact between a host city and a candidate is established only after the candidate has received and accepted an invitation from a City of Refuge.  

As ICORN cannot guarantee a residency to any applicant, including those whose applications have been approved, we strongly encourage you to explore and pursue other routes to safety whenever possible.  

For information on additional pathways to safety and resources, please visit our Resources page.

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Does applying for an ICORN residency cost money?

No. Applying for an ICORN residency is free of charge. ICORN does not charge any application fees or other fees to individuals seeking protection through the residency programme.  

ICORN does not authorise any individuals, organisations, or representatives to charge fees for advice, assistance, or access to the application process.

If you are approached by someone claiming to represent ICORN and requesting payment in connection with an application, please report this to application@icorn.org.

All information about applying for an ICORN residency is provided free of charge, directly through ICORN’s official channels.  

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Can I choose the City of Refuge for my residency?

No. Applicants cannot choose the ICORN City of Refuge where they will be hosted.  

When a residency becomes available, ICORN identifies and presents relevant candidates whose needs, professional profile, and circumstances match the capacity and the conditions of the open residency.  

If you are offered a residency by an ICORN City of Refuge, you have the right to accept of decline the invitation. Declining an offer will not affect your status as a candidate for other ICORN residencies, although ICORN cannot guarantee that another residency opportunity will become available.  

For more information, please see the section below.  

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Can I apply or request a residency directly from a City of Refuge?  

No. An ICORN residency can only be arranged through ICORN’s official application and assessment process described above.  

Cities of Refuge do not accept direct requests and applications for ICORN residencies. If you contact a City of Refuge directly to request a residency, you will be referred back to ICORN’s official application procedures.

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Can ICORN assist everyone who needs protection and support?  

No. Unfortunately, ICORN is not able to offer a protective residency and support to everyone who applies/needs protection and assistance.  

The number of applications ICORN receives is disproportionately higher than the number of residencies available each year. Due to limited resources and restrictions in legal pathways for migration, ICORN’s Cities of Refuge can currently offer only around 15-25 residencies annually.  

Being approved as a candidate for an ICORN residency does not guarantee that you will be offered a residency. While approved candidates will be presented to Cities of Refuge with available residencies, the number of open residencies is limited, and not all candidates will receive an offer.

ICORN strongly encourages all applicants to pursue alternative pathways to safety and support wherever possible, regardless of the outcome of their application to ICORN.  

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What is a City of Refuge?

An ICORN City of Refuge is a city which has committed to hosting a writer, artists, or journalist at risk as part of its membership in the ICORN network.  

ICORN Cities of Refuge uphold the values of solidarity and hospitality, taking concrete action to protect and promote freedom of expression and human rights.

For more information, please see the FAQs for ICORN Cities of Refuge.

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What happens if I am invited to an ICORN residency?

If you are offered an ICORN residency, you will receive an invitation from the ICORN Secretariat. You can choose to accept or decline the offer.

If you accept the invitation, ICORN will put you in direct contact with a representative from City of Refuge that has invited you and will host your residency. The City of Refuge, in cooperation with ICORN, will assist with visa procedures and other practical arrangements related to your relocation.

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What happens if I decline an offer for ICORN residency in a city?  

If you decline an invitation to take up an ICORN residency in a specific city, we cannot guarantee that you will receive another offer to take up residency with ICORN. Declining an offer will, however, not affect your candidacy or the way in which your profile is presented to other ICORN Cities of Refuge.

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Can I bring my family to an ICORN City of Refuge?

Some Cities of Refuge can host a single person, while others have the capacity to host a couple or a family.  

Writers, artists, and journalists who wish to bring their immediate family (spouse/partner and/or children under 18 years) should indicate this in their application. They will then be considered for residencies in the ICORN Cities of Refuge which are able to host and support families.

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Do I have any obligations as an ICORN resident?

This varies from city to city. Some ICORN Cities of Refuge have specific expectations when it comes to practical matters and participation in activities within the city and the ICORN network. These factors are taken into consideration when the ICORN Secretariat presents candidates to a City of Refuge.

As an ICORN resident, it is expected that you familiarise yourself with local customs, and follow national laws, and regulations.  

While participation in local and network activities is encouraged, ICORN residencies are not contingent on residents being publicly active or taking part in specific events.

As the ICORN residency is temporary, you are expected to take responsibility for planning your post-ICORN residency arrangements. From the beginning of the residency, you are encouraged to actively explore longer-term safety and relocation options. Your City of Refuge and the ICORN Secretariat provide support and guidance wherever possible.