How can artists facing threats, persecution and censorship receive support? On 15 October 2026, SH|FT comes to Kulturhyllan in Malmö for a panel discussion offering insights into the work of protecting artists at risk around the world.
Since 2013, the Safe Havens Meetings have brought together artists, activists, organisations and experts from across the globe to exchange experiences and explore ways of supporting cultural practitioners who face threats, persecution and censorship. The meetings are organised by SH|FT, an independent organisation with its roots in Malmö that works in many parts of the world, strengthening both artists at risk and the networks and organisations that stand behind them.
Safe Havens Conference 2022
Photo: Fredrik Elg
At the invitation of the Dawit Isaak Library, SH|FT will share insights into this work and into the wider field known as Arts Rights Justice.
Participants
- Kagiso Lesego Molope, writer and playwright, Canada/South Africa
- Paminder Parbha, human rights worker and artist, United Kingdom
- Dr Mary Ann DeVlieg, international expert on artistic freedom and human rights, Italy
- Eleni Tsitsirikou, arts and cultural worker, Finland
- Fredrik Elg, arts and cultural strategist and founder of SH|FT
The discussion is moderated by Rida Khan, cultural worker focused on freedom of expression and inclusive dialogue.
Practical information
15 October 2026, 16:00–17:00
Kulturhyllan (Dawit Isaak Library), Hyllie Boulevard 21, 215 32 Malmö
The discussion will be held in English.
Kulturhyllan is a cultural centre in Hyllie. The premises house Hylliebiblioteket, the Dawit Isaak Library — your library for freedom of expression — as well as Work in Progress, a meeting place for young creatives.
Forbidden Culture Week
The event is part of Forbidden Culture Week. From 12 to 18 October, the City of Malmö presents a week highlighting artistic freedom and censorship through culture that has, at some point, somewhere and for some reason, been censored, prohibited or banned.
