SWAN Emergency residencies
SWAN offers vital support to cultural workers at risk. Our Emergency Residency program provides a safe haven for artists facing war, persecution, or oppression, allowing them to continue their work in Sweden.
The program was launched in 2022 as a direct response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With critical funding from Swedish regions, the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, the Swedish Institute, and the Swedish Arts Council, we successfully relocated 116 artists between 2022 and 2023. We invite you to watch our tribute video below, celebrating the dedication of everyone involved.
Since then, we have expanded our mission to support at-risk cultural workers from around the world. The need for this support remains constant as global conflicts and authoritarian regimes continue to threaten artistic freedom.
Application artists
SWAN residencies works together with Artists at Risk and aim to host artists for minimum 3 month stays, funded with accommodation, art and production grant.
If you want to apply for a SWAN artist residency the link below will redirect you to Artists at Risk. Please state preferred country "Sweden" when you are filling in the form. Applying artists and cultural workers can make a preference of which country to stay in residence. Artists at Risk have Emergency residencies in many European countries.
Statement
SWAN offers vital support to cultural workers at risk. Our Emergency Residency program provides a safe haven for artists facing war, persecution, or oppression, allowing them to continue their work in Sweden. The program was launched in 2022 as a direct response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. With critical funding from Swedish regions, the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation, the Swedish Institute, and the Swedish Arts Council, we successfully relocated 116 artists between 2022 and 2023. We invite you to watch our tribute video below, celebrating the dedication of everyone involved. Since then, we have expanded our mission to support at-risk cultural workers from around the world. The need for this support remains constant as global conflicts and authoritarian regimes continue to threaten artistic freedom.
How the Program Works
Emergency residencies, typically lasting three to six months, are a collaborative effort between SWAN, our partner organization Artists at Risk (AR), and regional Swedish residencies. While the queue for spots is long, we continuously work to match artists with available opportunities. This important work is done on a pro-bono basis by our dedicated workgroup, Theresa Ridder and Power Ekroth.
Why Cultural Freedom Matters
Culture is a cornerstone of democracy and a vital component of free expression. Independent artists and cultural workers are essential storytellers and interpreters of our world, especially in times of conflict and polarization. They need to be protected and supported to ensure their voices are not silenced.
By welcoming our colleagues who are under threat, SWAN member residencies are adapting to provide more than just a place to stay. Our support includes:
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Accommodation and a safe space to work.
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Assistance with Swedish authorities, including help with visas and permits.
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Crisis support and a sense of community.
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Connections to the local cultural scene and fellow artists.
SWAN is committed to providing comprehensive humanitarian and artistic support that is tailored to each individual’s needs.
The Team
The daily work with Emergency Residencies is organized by our project manager and coordinators.
’Ukraine is Alive’ Ukrainian Music-Making in Swedish Emergency Residencies
Hanna Hellström wrote her Master thesis at the University of Uppsala with the purpose to shed light on the experience of musicians in a refugee position and the residency as a space that may contribute to uphold music-making and musical labour for refugee artists.
In association with
