A residency by Ukrainian Cosmopolis and Odessa — a UNESCO City of Literature
About the Residency
Today, Ukrainian literature is being created amid war, loss, and constant tension. For writers from the eastern and southern cities, where life unfolds under constant shelling or on the edge of a humanitarian crisis, silence has become a luxury, and concentration a true challenge.
We believe literature needs a space of freedom and inspiration. A place where one can write—or remain silent, look at the sea, and restore inner balance.
Literary Dacha. Odessa is designed precisely for this — as an island of creative rest and professional dialogue. A week or two on the Black Sea coast allows writers to feel the openness of space, the rhythm of the waves, the freedom of the horizon — and reconnect with their own voice.
For authors from other cities, the residency also serves as a platform for cultural exchange with the Odessa community: a space for new encounters, joint readings, and creative connections.
This is not a grant or an institutional program with formal metrics. It is trust in the writer and in the power of the sea.
Format and Periods of Stay
● June – September● Duration: 1–2 weeks● Writers from Odessa (priority) and authors from other Ukrainian cities
For residents from other cities: one open literary-musical evening directly at the Dacha — an intimate meeting with Odessa’s creative community, including readings, musical improvisations, and live dialogue under the open sky
Accommodation Format
The residency accommodates:
● An individual writer or● A creative group of up to 4 people (joint project, translation team, dramaturgy group, etc.)
The number of participants is determined during the selection process, taking into account the nature of the project and the format of the stay.
We are currently preparing the residency location. All details and the open call will be announced soon.
An Odessa philanthropist who supported the project wished to remain anonymous.