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Our Work

Artists for Social Change

Through live and public-facing cultural programs, AFI supports artists in sharing work that engages social justice, human rights, and freedom of expression.

Safe, public platforms for artists advancing social change.

Artists for Social Change creates platforms and opportunities for at-risk artists and artist activists to safely showcase and cultivate their work, support their campaigns for social justice, and connect with creative and diaspora communities in New York City and beyond. This program supports at-risk and activist artists in advancing creative cultural exchange, positive social change, and fundamental human rights through the arts.

Under this program, AFI:

  • Secures the legal entry of at-risk and activist artists into the US for the specific purpose of enabling them to exhibit, perform, screen or otherwise display their work in a free and safe environment
  • Curates and produces arts festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and other events so artists can share their work. These AFI events are produced in partnership with arts and culture institutions and presenting organizations like Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Queens Museum, National Sawdust, Dupont Underground, (Le) Poisson Rouge, Symphony Space, and many others
  • Amplifies artists’ work as they advocate for the social causes to which they have dedicated themselves in their home countries

Support AFI’s Work

As censorship rises and artists are targeted for speaking truth to power, protecting creative voices has never been more urgent. Since 2017, AFI has supported over 2,000 courageous artists who continue making art even when it places them at risk. Your contribution ensures artists can keep creating, sharing, and inspiring change—protecting both their voices and the right to artistic freedom worldwide.