Artists at Risk launches the AR COVID-19 Emergency Fund

Artists at Risk (AR) has launched the AR COVID-19 Emergency Fund in its continuing support of the livelihoods and artistic freedoms of creatives unable to leave their countries in the current state of widespread lockdown. The campaign has already received backing from Iraqi painter Dia al-Azzawi, British author Neil Gaiman, Pussy Riot member Maria Alyokhina and many other cultural luminaries. Since 2013, AR’s work across 14 countries has provided artists with residencies that have also helped with facilitating relocation in cases of hardship or incarceration over issues of free expression. AR has also started a crowdfunding campaign – with a target of raising over USD 10,000 – to help artists with much-needed living expenses and a safe haven if needed.