UNESCO-Cosmopolis Polyglot Literary Residency for Writers from the UNESCO Cities of Literature

Applications are now open for the Summer 2026 Odesa Polyglot Literary Residency, organised in partnership with the Odesa UNESCO City of Literature Office.

Writers from UNESCO Cities of Literature are invited to spend up to one month in Odesa in Ukraine, a historic port on the Black Sea and one of Europe’s most distinctive literary cities. Odesa has been shaped by centuries of arrivals and departures and is known for its wit, openness and strong literary voice.

The residency offers time and space for focused creative work as well as the opportunity to connect with the local literary community. Participants stay in privately rented apartments in the historic centre of the city which allows them to experience Odesa as part of its everyday rhythm.

The programme is designed as a period of creative freedom. Residents can use the time for writing, reading, research, translation, walking, thinking or developing new ideas. A small level of public engagement is expected, including one or two literary events and a short reflective text after the residency.

What is offered

- travel support within Europe up to 350 euros,

- accommodation in the historic centre of Odesa,

- a stipend of 500 euros,

- health insurance,

- introductions to local writers, publishers, translators, scholars and artists

- opportunities to take part in public literary events.

Applications in any language are welcome. If the submitted work is not in English, Ukrainian or Russian, translations should be provided. Applications are reviewed by the Odesa City of Literature Office together with members of Ukrainian Cosmopolis.

Deadline for applications: 20 July

For questions please contact: odesacityofliterature@gmail.com

More info: here