Initiative will provide vital support and creative sanctuary for artists from conflict-affected regions
The British Council, in partnership with Arts Council England, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales/Wales Arts International, today announces 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 twelve 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 ArtEngland).
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.
Artist Yasmine Rifaii, who will be hosted at Cove Park, said: “I have been craving distance from the noise of cities for a while now, so that I may sit with myself and let my thoughts brew into formation.
“The Cove Park residency came at the right time. I look forward to immersing myself with both the silence of nature, and the presence of fellow artists seeking the same experience.”
Anastasiya Gruba, who will be hosted by Ulster University, said: “This residency gives me the opportunity to complete a new version of the script for my tragicomic feature film Women Suicide Season, which I hope will be my feature directorial debut.
“I’m especially excited that the Belfast Film Festival will take place during my stay – it’s a wonderful chance to connect with the Northern Irish film community and international industry professionals.
“And I must admit, I’ve always dreamed of seeing the stunning landscapes of the Emerald Isle firsthand! There’s so much to do, and I can’t wait to dive in.
“I’m truly grateful to the British Council, Belfast Film Festival, and Ulster University for making this possible.”
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.”
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of International at Creative Scotland said: “We are delighted to continue this residency programme through our on-going partnership with the British Council.
“The pilot programme in 2023 provided vital access to creative opportunity for artists in Ukraine at a time when accessing facilities in their home country was a huge challenge.
“The five selected artists made Scotland their home for a few weeks but left having made friends and colleagues for life. We wish the next (expanded) round of artists the same creative joy and success in their residencies across the UK.”
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.”
Simon Mellor, Deputy CEO Arts Council England, said: “Arts Council England is proud to be a partner in this important residency scheme, offering artists coming from places of conflict the opportunity to make new connections and to build new networks of support.
“We are particularly glad to join with our sister agencies in extending this initiative across the whole UK, building a body of relationships between creatives and communities both here and in Ukraine.”
