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Apply for Assistance

Artistic Freedom Initiative is currently accepting applications from at-risk artists  in the United States and  around the world seeking temporary and permanent residence in the US.  Additionally, for at-risk artists already located  in the United States, AFI is accepting applications from artists  who fear persecution in their home countries  and are seeking asylum in the US.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

  • Artists who are experiencing humanitarian disaster or armed conflict in their home countries.
  • Artists who are being censored by the government or other authorities in their home countries.
  • Artists who are threatened or persecuted for expressing their opinions, ideas, or identities through art.

Who are considered artists?

AFI construes the term “artist” broadly.  This  includes, but is not limited to:

  • Actors
  • Creative journalists and photojournalists
  • Cultural workers (including curators, art scholars, archivists, and conservators); and Publishers or presenters of art
  • Filmmakers
  • Musicians and Composers
  • Performance artists
  • Theater artists
  • Visual artists (including painters, sculptors, photographers, graphic designers, cartoonists, and new media artists)
  • Writers (including fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, playwrights, and screenwriters

What is required to apply?

  1. Artistic production:
    • At-risk artists must be able to demonstrate a record of artistic production or performance.
  2. Persecution and Censorship:
    • Applicants must demonstrate that they are either:
      • At risk of persecution as a direct consequence of their art – this can be shown through a past history of physical harm, fear of future physical harm, incarceration, or prosecution;
      • Unable to express themselves freely through their art due to censorship by the government

In Our Artists' Words

AFI has been nothing but insightful, patient, and resourceful for me and other creatives I know. Settling in America can be really hard, and AFI made the experience a lot easier for me knowing I have this organization to count on. I absolutely appreciate the effort they put in and the love they have for this work.
Bart Was Not Here Multidisciplinary Artist & 2025 ACN Cohort Member Bart Was Not Here
AFI found me at my lowest and helped me up with legal services and housing. After I was 'settled' they continued recommending opportunities and programs that benefit me, my art and my career. They care about my progress, my falls and my triumphs. They have continued being there each time I need it and I am forever grateful.
Achiro P. Olwoch Writer, Director, Producer & 2025 ACN Community Artists Leader Achiro P. Olwoch

Apply for Assistance

If you are an at-risk artist in need of assistance, please read the above Application Guide for Artists to determine whether you qualify for assistance from Artistic Freedom Initiative.

To apply, at-risk artists are required to complete our application form. AFI makes an overall assessment of each applicant’s needs. To enable us to assess your application properly, please provide all the information and documentation requested in the application form. All information will be treated confidentially. You will be contacted and informed of the result of the assessment as soon as the application has been processed.

Please submit your application using the online form linked below.

Apply Now