Klas Grinell is the new National ICORN Coordinator in Sweden
In November 2025, Gothenburg was appointed host city for the National ICORN Coordinator in Sweden. Gothenburg City and ICORN now announce that Klas Grinell - author, researcher, and development leader, with focus on global justice issues – has been appointed as the new National Coordinator for Sweden’s ICORN Cities of Refuge. Klas Grinell will commence in the position in the beginning of April 2026.
Klas has a background as an author, a researcher specialising in Islam, and as a professional within the museum sector. This includes working as a curator on global contemporary issues at the National Museum of World Culture in Gothenburg, and most recently as Development Manager for Gothenburg’s Museums. Global justice issues are also reflected in his authorship and long involvement with organisations such as PEN Sweden and Amnesty International.
Klas Grinell, incoming National ICORN Coordinator in Sweden, says:
‘I began my museum career as curator for global contemporary issues. Now it is time to return to global justice issues and work even more actively for human rights. I look forward to supporting the work of our Swedish ICORN Cities of Refuge and together creating understanding of the fundamental importance of freedom of expression for open and democratic societies.’
Sweden is one of the countries with the most ICORN Cities of Refuge, with a network of a total 27 cities and regions. The National Coordinator is tasked with strengthening the network and its capacity to receive writers, artists, and journalists at risk, and highlighting issues of freedom of expression through collaboration, information, and network-building.
Helge Lunde, ICORN’s Executive Director says:
‘We welcome Klas to this important position. In addition to a deep commitment, he brings academic understanding of complex issues and practical knowledge of collaboration at European, national, regional, and municipal levels—knowledge that can contribute to maintaining a strong Cities of Refuge network at a time when it is needed more than ever.’
Gothenburg became Sweden’s first City of Refuge in 1996. Since 2025, the city has been able to host two ICORN residents at the same time. It is, therefore, fitting that Gothenburg’s 30th anniversary now begins with the national coordination of the Swedish network based in the city.
Anna Rosengren, Director of the Gothenburg City Cultural Administration says:
‘As Sweden’s oldest City of Refuge, we look forward to deepening our collaboration with ICORN and, together with Klas Grinell, continuing the work of strengthening Gothenburg as a hub for freedom of expression and artistic freedom—two essential conditions for a strong democracy.’
Klas Grinell will begin his role as National ICORN Coordinator in Sweden in April, with full-time capacity from May. The position is administratively placed within the Cultural Administration in Gothenburg, while practically working with Sweden’s Cities of Refuge and the ICORN Secretariat in Stavanger. It is carried out in collaboration with the Swedish Arts Council. The role was previously located in Uppsala.
Gothenburg City of Refuge was founded in 1996 and has since hosted 11 writers, artists, and journalists in ICORN residencies, including author, journalist and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Svetlana Alexievich. Gothenburg City of Refuge is run in collaboration between the City’s Cultural and Social Administrations, and the Cultural Administration of Region Västra Götaland.
