ICORN

Warsaw became one of over 70 cities globally that offer refuge to artists and activists. The Warsaw Observatory of Culture (WOK) was appointed the coordinating institution of residencies executed as part of the ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network).

As the coordinating institution, the WOK is responsible for providing a safe and welcoming space for residents to pursue their creative or artistic work and free expression. The organisation also offers Polish language classes and necessary assistance to residents and liaises with other organisations and individuals, as well asresidents accommodated in other ICORN member cities across Poland.


The International Cities of Refuge Network ICORN is an organisation that brings together cities and regions offering refuge to writers, artists, reporters, and activists who are facing censorship and persecution or whose lives are endangered. The ICORN member cities offer long-term refuge (for one to two years). The network endorses freedom of speech and promotes human rights protection, defends democratic values, and supports international solidarity. The contract between the Capital City of Warsaw and the ICORN network was signed on July 20, 2023 at City Hall.

Pictured from left: Monika Czerska (Culture Department, Warsaw City Hall), Artur Jóźwik (Culture Department, Warsaw City Hall), Helge Lunde (Executive Director of ICORN), Aldona Machnowska-Góra (Vice-President of the Capital City of Warsaw, Warsaw City Hall), Anna Galas-Kosil (WOK), Robert Piaskowski (Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of the City of Krakow for Culture, member of the ICORN Board), Tomasz Kolankiewicz (ICORN Board). Culture, Board Member of ICORN), Tomasz Kolankiewicz (Culture Department, Warsaw City Hall), photo by Szymon Pulcyn, courtesy of the Culture Department of the Capital City of Warsaw.