Open Access

Lisa Bogerts, Serap Yılmaz-Dreger

• This paper examines the situation of artists newly arriving in Europe from countries where theirThis paper examines the situation of artists newly arriving in Europe from countries where their freedom of expression is severely restricted. The authors argue that international temporary relocation programmes offer at-risk artists temporary protection and initial support, but do not provide them with long-term perspectives for continuing their work. Based on a qualitative study, this paper elaborates on the needs of newly arrived artists and proposes recommendations for more sustainable means of support and working opportunities as well as for potential for joint strategies by means of transnational cooperation. The authors argue that, for newly arriving at-risk artists, diaspora communities and diasporic cultural organisations can be significant catalysts for facilitating a smoother arrival in the new country. They recommend that funding and cultural institutions strengthen diasporic initiatives in their important bridging role and recognise their contribution to international cultural work.…