Karlstad Municipality has for many years been an active member of ICORN, a global network through which cities offer protection and working opportunities to persecuted artists. As one of around 25 Swedish cities of refuge, Karlstad provides artists with a two-year residency where they can live and work safely while continuing their artistic practice and exercising their freedom of expression.

During the seminar, a former artist-in-residence will appear in a recorded clip reflecting on his experiences of living in Sweden. Excerpts from the film that led to his torture and persecution in his home country will also be screened. Representatives from ICORN and Karlstad Municipality will participate in the seminar and discuss the importance of protecting artistic freedom and supporting artists at risk worldwide.