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Description
The project’s main goal is the creation of the new literary residency centre in the city of Košice, housed in the childhood home of the writer Sándor Márai. New literary residency centre will be committed to supporting the work not only of established authors, but also young and marginalised voices, supporting women writers, writers who are mothers/parents/carers, writers from underprivileged circumstances, LGBTQ+ writers, writers from minorities, and also those working in non-mainstream genres, such as experimental poetry or writing for performance. The project also aims at the sharing of experience and learning between the participating organisations and developing the specific professional skills for the management of residency centres. The project also contributes to improvement of the exchanges of the contemporary literatures and writing (in various languages, including in minority languages) and to the wider cultural exchange. A key part of the project are the residency centres’ arts and educational events for the general public and specific target groups. Additionally, project increases the joy and engagement with contemporary literature in various audiences, including those traditionally without access to it. Project also intensifies sensitivity and critical thinking of these audiences vis-a-vis intolerance and xenophobia, which seems to be currently on the rise. As an integral part of this project an educational programme and series of workshops will be established and realized for children and youth from minorities to encourage them to engage in creative writing. In Slovakia, workshops on creative writing and critical reading for young people from Košice’s Roma community will be realized. This will be organised in co-operation with Palikerav, a Romany youth literary platform that organises reading and discussion groups for Roma teenagers in Košice. In Iceland, we will hold creative writing workshops for young people from Iceland’s Slovak community.
Summary of project results
The Epic Residencies project addressed key challenges in the cultural sector, including the lack of opportunities for international literary exchanges, limited support for marginalized voices in literature, and insufficient resources for running literary residency programs. Additionally, the project tackled the need for professional development among literary managers and cultural professionals and sought to promote inclusivity and cross-border collaboration within the literary community.
The Epic Residencies project facilitated a robust framework of literary residencies and cultural exchange:
- Residency Programs: Eight Slovak authors participated in residencies in Iceland and Norway, while eight Icelandic and Norwegian authors undertook residencies in Košice, Slovakia. These residencies supported creative work and fostered cross-cultural dialogue.
- Workshops and Public Events: Eight workshops and eleven public readings were organized, taking place in venues such as Košice, Reykjavik, and Stavanger. These events engaged local communities and showcased the works of participating authors.
- Cultural Exchange Activities: The project enabled study visits across all partner countries, promoting knowledge sharing and mutual inspiration.
- Educational Outputs: Practical guides and publications were developed to support the establishment and management of literary residency programs, creating long-term resources for the literary community.
Networking and Inclusion: The project strengthened connections among literary professionals and institutions and provided opportunities for minority and marginalized voices to be represented.
The Epic Residencies project created significant outcomes for writers, cultural managers, and audiences:
- For Writers: The residency programs provided dedicated time and space for creative work, resulting in numerous literary outputs, including novels, poems, and translations. Writers gained international exposure and inspiration from new cultural contexts.
- For Cultural Professionals: Literary managers and residency coordinators developed skills in program implementation and gained insights into international collaboration and inclusivity.
- For Audiences: Public readings and workshops brought literature closer to diverse communities, fostering cultural appreciation and dialogue.
- For the Literary Sector: The project''s publications and resources enhanced the infrastructure for literary residencies, offering replicable models for future programs.
Overall, the project promoted creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and the inclusion of marginalized voices in literature, enriching the literary landscape of all participating countries.
Summary of bilateral results
The collaboration with Icelandic and Norwegian partners, specifically the Gunnar Gunnarsson Institute in Iceland and Tou Scene in Norway, was instrumental to the project''s success. These partners brought extensive expertise in running residency programs and organizing literary events, which elevated the project''s quality and international standing.•Bilateral Achievements: The partnerships enabled Slovak authors to participate in prestigious literary festivals such as Kapittel in Stavanger, providing unparalleled opportunities for international exposure. Similarly, Icelandic and Norwegian authors experienced Slovak culture firsthand, contributing to their literary works and fostering deeper cultural connections.•Capacity Building: Knowledge exchange among partners enriched residency management practices and promoted inclusivity in the literary sector.•Future Plans: The partnerships have laid the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, with plans to expand residency programs, co-develop new literary projects, and continue promoting cross-border cultural dialogue.This bilateral cooperation strengthened the project''s impact and ensured sustainable cultural and professional connections between the participating countries.