The invitation was conveyed by Pär Johansson, chair of the cultural committee for Göteborgs Stad, together with Carl Forsberg, first vice chair of the cultural committee in Västra Götaland. Göteborg became Sweden's first city of refuge in 1996 at the request of author Salman Rushdie. ICORN was founded in 2006, and Fristad Göteborg is now part of it. In 2026, Göteborg officially became the host for the national coordinator of Sweden's 27 ICORN cities, with author and researcher Klas Grinell taking on the role. Västra Götalandsregionen has been part of ICORN since 2014.
The network meeting will take place in Göteborg on 2–4 June 2027. According to the international democracy report V-DEM, the current period is called 'the great regression': since 2000, the world has gone from 52 countries with improved freedom of expression to 44 with deteriorated freedom of expression. Threatened artists worldwide can reside for two years in a municipality that, through regional support, can become a city of refuge in Västra Götaland.
We are happy to, on ICORN's invitation and in collaboration with Västra Götalandsregionen, gather representatives for this global work for freedom of expression and cities of refuge here in Göteborg. The work of cities and regions is an important cornerstone in strengthening democracy worldwide.
Pär Johansson said: "We are happy to, on ICORN's invitation and in collaboration with Västra Götalandsregionen, gather representatives for this global work for freedom of expression and cities of refuge here in Göteborg. The work of cities and regions is an important cornerstone in strengthening democracy worldwide." Sara Schütt, Head of the Cultural Strategy Unit, stated: "As Sweden's oldest city of refuge, we look forward to, in collaboration with Västra Götalandsregionen, welcoming ICORN's members to Göteborg and to the international network meeting in 2027." Carl Forsberg added: "We really look forward to welcoming the international city of refuge network ICORN to Göteborg in 2027. It will be an opportunity to showcase the strong literary and cultural environment that exists in Göteborg and Västra Götaland."
As Sweden's oldest city of refuge, we look forward to, in collaboration with Västra Götalandsregionen, welcoming ICORN's members to Göteborg and to the international network meeting in 2027. The international annual meeting is an important platform for ICORN's members to meet, exchange experiences, and set a common direction forward. I see the context as a step in the work to strengthen Göteborg as a hub for freedom of expression and artistic freedom, both important prerequisites for a strong democracy. I also believe that the meeting can become a valuable platform locally, where the city collaborates with organizations and external parties through a common focus on freedom of expression.