As Afghanistan faced an uncertain future under the Taliban in 2021, artists, writers, and independent filmmakers found themselves at unprecedented risk. The cultural freedoms that had flourished over the past two decades were suddenly under threat, leaving many creative voices in peril. In response, coculture joined forces with internationally renowned filmmakers and writers—including Siddiq Barmak, Atiq Rahimi, and Mohsen Makhmalbaf -to advocate for the protection and safe passage of Afghan artists.

By signing an open letter alongside over 80 global cultural figures, coculture’s director Khaled Barakeh represented the organization's commitment to standing with artists in times of crisis. The letter urged the international community to grant asylum and protection to those who had become priority targets, ensuring that Afghanistan’s artistic and journalistic legacy would not be lost to silence and oppression.

As an organization dedicated to artist support and cultural activism, coculture acted as a bridge between endangered artists and key stakeholders, including initiatives like Artists at Risk. Through these connections, coculture worked to provide Afghan artists with pathways to safety, allowing them to continue their essential work in free and supportive environments. At a time when artistic expression was under direct attack, this initiative sought to mobilize institutions, governments, and cultural organizations to take urgent action. The fate of Afghan artists had become a shared responsibility - standing by them meant standing for the right to create, to document, and to bear witness.