The boundless kingdom of imagination : En komparativ studie av två fristadsnätverk för konstnärer, författare och journalister på flykt

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study is to explore the complex system of sanctuary networks created to safeguard artists, journalists, publicists, and writers internationally. The two sanctuary networks included in the study are International Cities of Refuge Network and Artists at risk, both aimed to create sanctuaries and advocacy for freedom of speech but with different scopes and focus. The analytical methods used consists of system- and organizational theory tools, to map the components of the networks and contingency theory to analyze the external aspects that affect the networks. The mapping of the networks provides an overall picture of the organizational system structure containing permanent organization, cooperating actors, political actors, meeting points, funding and direction of process. The analysis show that the networks produce different types of safeguarding of artists, long-term and short-term. Both structures create pros and cons but complement each other in a complex system with a plurality of needs and solutions. Challenges that the networks face mostly consist of economic uncertainty and a need for flexibility towards external changes whilst needing structural stability to face challenges efficiently.