The British Council, in partnership with Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International, has announced the launch of a major new residency programme designed to support artists and cultural professionals whose work has been impacted by war and conflict.
The programme will see nine artists and cultural professionals from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine, and Ukraine undertake residencies at leading cultural institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The initiative builds upon a successful pilot project held in Scotland in 2023 during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, which was delivered by the British Council in partnership with Creative Scotland and Ukrainian Institute.
Starting this month and running until July 2026, the residencies will take place at prominent institutions renowned for their expertise in supporting artists across diverse art forms, from contemporary art to literature and film.
Each residency will last between four and 12 weeks, tailored to meet the specific requirements of both the host organisation and the visiting creative professional.
The programme aims to provide creative practitioners from countries affected by war and conflict with essential quiet time, care, and connections within the UK cultural sector.
This support is designed not only to nurture their individual practice and build their networks, but also to strengthen the communities they work with in their home countries.
Host organisations participating in the programme include Ulster University/Belfast Film Festival (Northern Ireland); Llenyddiaeth Cymru | Literature Wales (Wales); Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (Scotland); Cove Park (Scotland); Moniack Mhor (Scotland); Pier Arts Centre (Orkney Island, Scotland); Delfina Foundation (England); ACME Studios (England); and Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art (England).
The programme also offers host organisations a valuable opportunity to expand their understanding of new cultural contexts, demonstrate solidarity with fellow artists, and develop expertise in supporting colleagues working under extremely challenging conditions.
It also helps connect participants to the wider arts sector, offering fresh insights that can spark new collaborations – benefiting not only the individuals involved but also enriching the host institutions and the sector more broadly. This initiative reflects the British Council's commitment to supporting international cultural exchange and providing support for artists whose creative work continues despite the pressures of conflict and displacement.
Tania Rodionova, who will be hosted by 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.”
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.”
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 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.”
