Arts Council of Wales and Wales Arts International, in partnership with the British Council, Arts Council England and Creative Scotland, are supporting a new international residency programme designed to provide creative sanctuary for artists and cultural professionals affected by war and conflict.

The initiative will offer time, space and support for nine artists from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, and Ukraine to continue developing their practice at leading cultural organisations across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In Wales, Llenyddiaeth Cymru - Literature Wales will host Ukrainian poet, translator and curator Tania Rodionova, providing a dedicated residency that supports her literary work while building new connections with writers and readers in Wales.

Tania Rodionova, who will be hosted by Llenyddiaeth Cymru - Literature Wales, said:

“Being a cultural manager doesn't always allow for having time and space for my personal creative work. And life in Ukraine during the war time makes it even harder. So, my expectations for the residency in Ty Newydd is mainly to have this special space however my professional interest in local literature organisations and future cooperation opportunities cannot be ignored!”

The programme builds on a successful 2023 pilot project held in Scotland during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture. It aims to provide artists from conflict-affected regions with a period of reflection and creative focus, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding between UK and international communities.

Participating host organisations across the UK include Ulster University/Belfast Film Festival (Northern Ireland); Llenyddiaeth Cymru - Literature Wales (Wales); Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Cove Park, Moniack Mhor, and Pier Arts Centre (Scotland); and Delfina Foundation, ACME Studios and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (England).

Speaking about Wales’ involvement, Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales, said:

“This programme embodies the spirit of collaboration that sits at the heart of Arts Council of Wales’s work, and in terms of international connections, the work of our international arm Wales Arts International. Through our partnership with Llenyddiaeth Cymru - Literature Wales, we’re delighted to take part in this initiative to create a space of care and creative exchange — linking Wales with artists whose stories speak to our shared humanity across borders. The residency will give Tania time to develop her practice and share her experiences, while enriching Wales’s own literary community with fresh perspectives on resilience, language and the role of art in uncertain times.”

Leusa Llewelyn, Artistic Director of Literature Wales, added:

“We are honoured to welcome Tania to Wales and to support her creative journey. At Llenyddiaeth Cymru - Literature Wales, we believe that words and stories can cross boundaries and build empathy in powerful ways. This residency will offer Tania time to write, reflect, and connect — and we know that the exchange of ideas and experiences will inspire writers and readers here in Wales as well.”

Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Arts at the British Council, said:

“This residency programme recognises that supporting these artists and creatives is about building bridges across our global arts community and contributing to peace and prosperity. Just as the British Council was established in 1934 to support artists and creatives in countries across the world in the face of political danger, we continue this mission today. This programme provides space for artistic practice while strengthening the communities these artists support and nourish in their home countries.”

The programme will run until July 2026 and offers host organisations the opportunity to deepen their understanding of new cultural contexts and demonstrate solidarity with artists working under extraordinary circumstances.

By creating opportunities for exchange and reflection, the residencies will help sustain creative voices impacted by conflict while strengthening Wales’s place within a global community of artists using culture to foster understanding and hope.