Writers in Ukraine today are working through shock, terror, and grief. In the country's North, South, and East, where life continues to the sound of daily bombardment on the humanitarian brink, silence is a luxury and concentration is hard to sustain.
We believe that literature needs space: a room with a view where one can write, stare at the sea, or do nothing. Our Dacha is an island of creative respite and dialogue, where authors from across Ukraine can spend a week or a fortnight by the sea, recover their bearings, and regain their voice. Those coming from other cities can spend time with local writers and share readings, if they wish.
Our programme has no formal metrics. It is a simple offer: time, space, and trust in the writer, their work—and the sea. We cannot promise peace, but we can provide occasional quiet.
The Dacha will host writers between June and September. Individuals or small groups (up to four—joint projects, translation teams, dramaturgy groups) can stay for one to two weeks, subject to availability. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Cosmopolis–Odesa UNESCO City of Literature team. In the 2026 season, writers based in Odessa will have priority. Authors from other Ukrainian cities may host a creative evening at the Dacha with Odessa’s creative community—readings, musical improvisations, or live conversations under the open sky.
We offer travel within Ukraine, accommodation at the Dacha, and a weekly stipend of €100.

We are now preparing the Dacha for the 2026 season. Keep an eye out for the open call!
Funded by the Sutasoma Foundation Trust. The Odessa philanthropist supporting this project wishes to remain anonymous.