Art is a powerful tool for dissent in closed societies, provoking constructive dialogue and creating space for debate beyond mainstream bodies of political discourse. Authoritarian governments around the world recognize the power of art as a conduit of change and systematically persecute, repress, or censor artists to silence political dissent.

Art in Protest seeks to elevate artists whose work is connected to their struggle for democracy and human rights. We offer dissident artists the opportunity to enhance their work through the Art in Protest Residency and provide various platforms and exhibition spaces to expand their reach. Art in Protest also brings art to HRF’s Oslo Freedom Forum conference series to raise awareness about the state of artistic freedom on a global scale.