The Odesa UNESCO City of Literature Office, in partnership with Ukrainian Cosmopolis, invites applications for the Odesa Polyglot Literary Residency 2026. Writers from UNESCO Cities of Literature are invited to spend up to one month in Odesa this autumn. As Ukraine’s magnificent Black Sea port and one of Europe’s most distinctive literary cities, Odesa is renowned for its wit, irreverence, and enduring culture of writing, publishing, translation, and public conversation.

The Residency Experience
This program provides space and time for creative freedom in a city built on departures and arrivals. Whether for writing, research, or cultural exploration, Odesa offers a unique environment where language matters and literature remains essential.

Provisions and Support:

Travel Support: Up to €350 for travel from Europe.

Accommodation: A private apartment in the historic city center.

Stipend: A monthly allowance of €500.

Insurance: Health insurance for the duration of the stay.

Networking: Introductions to Odesa’s literary community, including publishers, translators, and scholars.

Events: Opportunities to participate in public literary events.

Requirements:

Participation in one or two public literary events.

A short reflective text regarding the experience after the residency.

Submission Guidelines:
Writing samples are accepted in any language. However, a translation must be provided for works not written in English, Ukrainian, or Russian.

Full details and application form:

https://cosmopolis.com.ua/programmes/residencies/literary-residency